An Epic Novel Of The Battle Of Thermopylae
Nearly 2,500 years ago, in 480 BC, at a bleak pass where the mountains meet the sea in a far-flung corner of eastern Greece, three hundred Spartan warriors faced the invading army of King Xerxes of Persia, a massive force rumoured to be between one and two million strong. Their orders were simple: to delay the enemy for as long as possible while the main Greek armies mobilized.
For six desperate days the Spartans held the invaders at bay. In the final hours, their shields broken, swords and spears shattered, they fought with their bare hands and teeth before being overwhelmed. The name of this battle would reverberate down through the millenia - a name which has become synonymous with near-superhuman courage, heroism and self-sacrifice: Thermopylae.
In the aftermath of that epic struggle a lone Greek soldier is discovered, barely alive, amidst the carnage and is brought to the Persian king for interrogation. 'Gates of Fire' is his extraordinary story. And as he tells his tale, he paints a remarkable portrait of the Spartans, their legendary way of life - and death - and of the men and women who helped shape our history and have themselves become as immortal as their gods.
A breathtakingly brilliant tale of man and war, equisitely researched and boldy written.
