Highly recommended.
Adrian Goldsworthy
Available wherever fine books are sold!
An exploration into why and how Thermopylae is one of the most blood-soaked patches of ground in history — and what its past can tell us about our future.
While the epic events of 480 BC when Leonidas and 300 Spartans attempted to hold the pass at Thermopylae have been immortalized in poetry, art, literature, and film, no history has ever before detailed the other battles and engagements that took place at this exact same location. From the very first action between rival Ancient Greeks through to the battles fought by Romans and Byzantines, Huns and Ottomans, and finally the desperate struggles against German occupying forces during World War II, The Killing Ground details the background and history of each conflict, the personalities and decision-making of the commanders, the arms and tactics of the troops, and how each battle played out.
Using a wealth of historical and material evidence, the authors paint a vivid picture of the landscape that shaped the outcome of each of the conflicts. From the lapping waters of the Malian Gulf to the imposing Mount Kallidromo, readers are transported to this narrow strip of land, where bravery and sacrifice became legendary.
The Killing Ground is not only a book of history but a journey into the heart of warfare itself: the motivations of those who fight, the strategies they employ, and the horrifying price they have to pay. With a captivating narrative and meticulous attention to detail, this book breathes new life into the sacred and blood-soaked ground of Thermopylae.