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The Student of History: Thermopylæ

Story of Thermopylæ, Thermopylæ was a défilé between Thessaly and Locris, in ancient times the only The engraving represents Aristodemus passage for an enemy from Northern into when under arrest for having proved, as Central Greece, situated between Mt. was supposed, to be a coward. Not Deta and an inaccessible morass forming always did the laws of the state require the edge of the Maliac Gulf, and contain- men to sacrifice their lives, but there was ing several hot springs. a certain spirit of patriotism, a certain honor and noble ambition, which urged men on to heroic deeds.

The story of the Spartan mother has become famous the world over. When This pass is celebrated for its defence against the army of Xerxes by the Greeks under the Spartan King Leonidas, in 480 B. c. His force numbered probably about seven thousand; but when during the battle she sent her sons forth in defence of their he learned that one Ephialtes, a Thessa- country she said to them: "Bring back lian, had betrayed to the Persians a cir- your shields, or be brought back upon cuitous path over the mountains leading them!" You see how powerful is love of to their rear, he dismissed all but his cho- country, for under some circumstances it sen band of three hundred Spartans, with will transcend parental love, and the a number of slaves, about seven hundred child who gives his blood in defence of Thespians, who volunteered to share his his country is willingly surrendered. fate, and apparently four hundred Thebans.

This old story of Thermopylæ and the brave three hundred Greeks, led by Leon.

This small host sallied out and fought idas, is one of the most thrilling pages of till Leonidas and all the Spartans and history. Many deeds have been narrated