Q 01/05

In which formation did the Greeks block the pass at Thermopylae?

A) The phalanx

B) The testudo

C) The wedge

D) The skirmish line

Answer · why

A) The phalanx

The phalanx, a wall of overlapping shields and long spears, filled the pass from cliff to sea, so the Persians could not use their numbers or cavalry ...

Q 02/05

Herodotus says Xerxes delayed at Thermopylae expecting the Greeks to do what?

A) Flee

B) Attack

C) Starve

D) Fall sick

Answer · why

A) Flee

Flee: Xerxes found it laughable that so few would stand, Herodotus says, and on the fifth day he angrily sent his first wave with orders to bring them...

Q 03/05

Which naval battle was fought simultaneously with Thermopylae?

A) Mycale

B) Artemisium

C) Eurymedon

D) Naupactus

Answer · why

B) Artemisium

Artemisium was fought at sea on the same days, and a storm wrecked the Persian squadron sent to sail round behind the Greek fleet and trap it.

Q 04/05

Which Athenian led his city's warships in the straits while the Greeks held the pass at Thermopylae?

A) Miltiades

B) Pericles

C) Aristides

D) Themistocles

Answer · why

D) Themistocles

Themistocles was later ostracised by Athens and ended his days governing the city of Magnesia for the Persian king.

Q 05/05

Counting allies of the 300 Spartans, about how many Greeks marched to hold Thermopylae?

A) 2,000

B) 7,000

C) 25,000

D) 80,000

Answer · why

B) 7,000

7,000 is the usual estimate: the 300 were only an advance guard, sent ahead to rally other cities, whose troops joined them on the march north.