In this extra special episode, join us as Doug gives the Spartan side of the story in the Greco-Persian War. He will discuss Spartan beliefs, culture, and economy as a prelude to discussing their efforts in resisting the Persians. These efforts culminated at the battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartan soldiers stood with 7,000 other Greeks to fend off tens of thousands of Persians. This battle would not have been possible without the support of the Greek navy that held off the Persian triremes with their 30,000 marines at Artemisium. Though the battle ended in defeat, the 300 Spartans and around 700 other brave Greeks valiantly sacrificed themselves to save the thousands of other Greek soldiers and sailors, buying them time to fortify other cities and straits.