How does this historic fiction book make it on a blog feed dedicated to personal growth in leadership? Well, for those who have read this book, the answer may come easy. Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield is set in 480 BC at a place known at Thermopylae (aka Gates of Fire). It is a retelling of the battle between Greeks led by the Spartan King Leonidas I and Persians King Xerxes I. This was a real 3-day battle which took place between the Greeks and Persians during the second Persian invasion of Greece. It is from this battle that there have been two movies made, of the same name, The 300.
Back to the question above, how does this book review qualify to be included on a blog feed focused on leadership? The foundational principles of great leadership vs poor leadership are on full display throughout this book. There are men and women from Sparta whose character portrayal was that of great strength and valor. Moms and wives supporting, loving, pushing, pressing, and helping to drive these warrior men. I have heard Thom Shea, retired US Navy Seal, refer to his wife as a “Spartan Wife”. After reading the valor of the Spartan women, “Spartan Wife” is a very high compliment. Men both young and old train together with a warrior’s ethos, pride, and brotherhood that is second to none. There is strife, bitterness, anger experienced by many as preparations are being made for the looming battle, and through it all these Greeks, led by the Spartans, band together against impossible odds.
A significant chasm is on display between the two key leaders. King Leonidas is in this battle with his men. There are 300 Spartan warriors, all of whom are expected to die in the battle, and Leonidas includes himself among these men. He and his queen have difficult conversations with all of the affected families. This is a man who leads from the front and sets himself in the same line of fire as his men. Leonidas takes advice from those around him, he puts capable people in charge of ensuring training and provisions, He gives his life for those who he loves.
King Xerxes makes sure he has his concubines and other entertainment with him. Some of his men are employed to set up a platform with a throne, on high ground, just so that Xerxes can see the battle from afar, without fear of being in harms way. Most of Xerxes soldiers were conscribed from other nations as the Persian forces swept through the areas of the Mediterranean.
Many of us know a semblance of the story. While it is true that there were 300 Spartan warriors, there were also squires and other “slaves” who marched with the Spartans. These “slaves” end up willingly helping in the battle alongside the warriors. Additionally, there were other Greek nations who fought alongside the Spartans. In total, current estimates indicate that there were around 7,000 total men from Greece. Different accounts provide a variety of numbers for the Persians. Some contemporaries of the time write of 1 million or even 3 million in the Persian force. Current scholars now think the number was likely closer to 100,000 to 150,000. It is clear that the Spartans were outnumbered to an extreme.
In the three day battle, the Persians experienced far more fatalities than the Greeks. It is only due to the sheer outnumbering of the Greeks that the Persians were able to prevail. Each of the Greek nations’ leaders where right in the thick of the battle alongside those who were subject to their reign. Xerxes was viewing the battle as entertainment and conquest.
My summary does not do the story justice. It is a gripping story. As someone who is seeking to grow in leadership and influence, there were many lessons for absorption. If you made it this far into my review, I would suspect that this kind of story would intrigue you as well. There is much to learn. Pick up the book, read and enjoy it, and learn from the abundance of lessons available.