Death At Thermopylae Analysis

Of those who perished at the Hot Gates, all glorious is the fortune, fair the doom;

Their grave's an altar, ceaseless memory's theirs instead of lamentation, and their fate

Is chant of praise. Such winding sheet as this no mould nor all-consuming time shall waste. --Simonides of Creos Simonides of Creos was a famous fifth century war poet who was a pioneer of lyrical poetry, and wrote many poems for Spartan epitaphs. This poem commemorates the three hundred people who died at Thermopylae. Its words are increasingly important to a modern American society presently involved in war, a society whose families take great pride in their fallen soldiers. Parallels can be discovered between modern soldiers’ struggles in Syria and the struggles of ancient brotherhoods like the three hundred who fought at Thermopylae. In the continuing war on terrorism, heroic courage, homeland security, and militaristic protection seem to be growing ideas; the fact of the matter is, these “modern” ideas have been present for centuries, stemming from the classical Spartans. The traditions of Spartan conformity, self-sacrifice, and commitment combined with twenty-five centuries of emulation of their classical values of duty, honor, and courage can be seen in in the minds of soldiers today. Modern soldiers need to selflessly

“Plebes” are most definitely not primed for the first stage of their training, an extreme conditioning and survival test. This important test is referred to as “Beast Barracks” by cadets. In this specific test, the priority is military training, not academic achievement. Similar to the young and untamed seven-year-olds of the agoge, the new cadets are considered “completely wild, untrained young men who need discipline” as one graduate said. (Richard C.,19) Trainees are put through rigorous training and fear is used to invoke the discipline and submission needed for military life. The severe