Geography and Strategic Importance
The pass of Thermopylae is a narrow gorge or ravine between two wooded hills. Its strategic advantages were clear in ancient times, as it formed a natural gateway between northern and southern Greece. Today, earthquakes have thrown down parts of the rocky cliffs that once overhung the gorge, and mountain torrents have carried soil and stones to fill parts of the pass. Because of these changes, the modern appearance gives little idea of how the pass looked in antiquity. Still, travelers compare it to the narrow canyons of Colorado or the Rocky Mountains in the United States Private Guide Turkey.
The Heroic Stand of Leonidas
In 480 B.C., during the Persian invasion of Greece, King Leonidas of Sparta and his 300 warriors made their famous stand here. They held the narrow pass against the vast army of Xerxes, delaying the Persians long enough for the other Greeks to retreat safely. Their sacrifice became a symbol of courage and loyalty to duty.
After the battle, a monument was placed at the site with the famous inscription:
“Stranger, tell the Spartans that we lie here in obedience to their commands.”
This simple yet powerful line still echoes through history as one of the most noble tributes to patriotism.
The Mountains of Northern Greece
Mount Olympus
Directly north of Thermopylae rises Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece at 9,754 feet. In Greek mythology, it was believed to be the home of the gods—Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena, and the rest of the Olympian family. Sadly, in modern times, the mountain once stood within Turkish territory, a matter of deep regret for the Greeks who saw Olympus as a symbol of their ancient heritage Sparta Ancient and Modern.
Mount Ossa and Mount Pelion
South of Olympus lies Mount Ossa, rising 6,398 feet above the sea. Farther south still is Mount Pelion, 5,308 feet high. These mountains, like Olympus, are rich with mythological stories. Pelion was said to be the home of the wise centaur Chiron, who taught heroes such as Achilles and Jason. The dramatic landscapes of these mountains add to the grandeur of northern Greece.
Mycenae A City of Legends
Founding and Walls
Traveling westward from Athens, crossing the peninsula to Corinth, and then going about fifteen miles south, one arrives at Mycenae. This city is one of the most legendary sites in Greek mythology. It was said to have been founded by Perseus, the slayer of Medusa. With the help of the one-eyed giants called Cyclopes, Perseus built the massive stone walls that still impress visitors today.
Agamemnon and the Trojan War
Mycenae is best remembered as the home of King Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War. From this city, he commanded armies not only from the mainland but also from the islands of Greece. After the long war against Troy, Agamemnon returned home only to be murdered by Aegisthus, the lover of his wife, Queen Clytemnestra.
Orestes and Revenge
Agamemnon’s son, Orestes, grew up to avenge his father’s death. With determination, he killed both his mother and her lover, ending their betrayal. However, the legends do not tell us that Orestes ever regained the throne of Mycenae. His story, filled with tragedy, became one of the most powerful tales in Greek literature and inspired plays by Aeschylus and other dramatists.
