Decisive Battles: Thermopylae DVD

• Additional Details
• Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
• Rating: Not Rated
• Number of Discs: 1
• Run Time: 25 Minutes
• Region: Region 1
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Language: English
• Studio: History Channel
• DVD Release Date: August 13, 2004

Experts illuminate the brutal standoff at the "Gates of Fire," when 300 Spartans held off the Persian army.

• Examine the greatest conflicts in history.
• Military historians, archeologists and other experts share their insights.
• Detailed re-enactments bring these pivotal moments to life.

They are the moments where history was writ in blood. Where armies determined the fate of empires and men became legends. They are the DECISIVE BATTLES. Traveling the globe to explore every aspect of these legendary encounters, this bracing series reveals the tactics and introduces the commanders that led the way to victory.

On one side was a vast army assembled by the Persians to avenge their defeat at Marathon. On the other were 300 Spartan soldiers, the most celebrated warriors of ancient Greece. For over a week, this tiny force defied the odds and held a narrow mountain pass. Though they died to the last man, it was one of the greatest displays of military heroism in history.

NOTE: The momentary fade-to-black interstitials within this program (used on television to transition to commercial breaks) are completely normal and have been included on the DVD to preserve the original broadcast version of this program.