The Killing Ground - A Biography of Thermopylae

THE KILLING GROUND: A Biography of Thermopylae

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.

'Brilliantly demonstrated.' - Tom Holland

Since the dawn of the Classical Era up to World War II, thousands have lost their lives fighting over the pass at Thermopylae. Historians Cole and Livingston provide an exciting account of each of the 27 battles and holding actions that took place. The epic events of 480 BC when 300 Spartans attempted to hold the pass has been immortalised in poetry, art, literature and film. But no history has ever detailed the other events from the very first battle through to the battles fought by Romans, Byzantines, Huns and Ottomans during the early and late medieval periods and finally the two 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.

Cole and Livingston have surveyed the ground to provide a boots-on understanding of each battle. Their command of multiple ancient and medieval languages means they have provided their own translations of much of the source material, ensuring new insights into each battle. This uncompromising scholarship is woven together into a compelling and unforgettable history that grips the reader from start to finish.

Contents:

Preface

List of Illustrations

List of Maps

Introduction: The Killing Ground

• The First Action: The First Battle of Thermopylae, Date Unknown
• The Second Action: The Second Battle of Thermopylae, 480 BC
• The Third Action: Crossing, 355 BC
• The Fourth Action: Holding, 352 BC
• The Fifth Action: Seizure, 346 BC
• The Sixth Action: The Third Battle of Thermopylae, 323 BC
• The Seventh Action: Holding, 316 BC
• The Eighth Action: The Fourth Battle of Thermopylae, 315 BC
• The Ninth Action: The Fifth Battle of Thermopylae, 279 BC
• The Tenth Action: Holding, 224 BC
• The Eleventh Action: The Sixth Battle of Thermopylae, 207 BC
• The Twelfth Action: The Seventh Battle of Thermopylae, 191 BC
• The Thirteenth Action: Crossing, 146 BC
• The Fourteenth Action: Holding, AD 251
• The Fifteenth Action: The Eighth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 254
• The Sixteenth Action: Crossing, AD 396
• The Seventeenth Action: The Ninth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 447
• The Eighteenth Action: The Tenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 517
• The Nineteenth Action: The Eleventh Battle of Thermopylae, AD 539
• The Twentieth Action: The Twelfth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 559
• The Twenty-First Action: The Thirteenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 997
• The Twenty-Second Action: Crossing, AD 1203
• The Twenty-Third Action: The Fourteenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 1204
• The Twenty-Fourth Action: The Fifteenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 1822
• The Twenty-Fifth Action: The Sixteenth Battle of Thermopylae, AD 1941
• The Twenty-Sixth Action: Sabotage, AD 1942
• The Twenty-Seventh Action: Sabotage, AD 1943

Conclusion: A Cauldron of War

Notes

Index

Authors: Myke Cole, Michael Livingston

Publisher: Osprey publishing

Description: 304 pages, Paperback, 234 X 153 mm.

Condition: NEW COPY

Shipping weight: 1.000 gr.