Samos (Greek: Σάμος) is a Greek island in the eastern Aegean Sea, south of Chios, north of Patmos and the Dodecanese, and off the coast of Asia Minor, from which it is separated by the 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi)-wide Mycale Strait. It is also a separate regional unit of the North Aegean region, and the only municipality of the regional unit.
In ancient times Samos was a particularly rich and powerful city-state. It is home to Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Eupalinian aqueduct, a marvel of ancient engineering. Samos is the birthplace of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, after whom the Pythagorean theorem is named, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus of Samos, the first known individual to propose that the Earth revolves around the sun. Samian wine was well known in antiquity, and is still produced on the island.
The island was an autonomous principality from 1835 until it joined Greece in 1912.
The area of the island is 478 km2 (184.6 sq mi) 43 km (27 mi) long and 13 km (8 mi) wide. It is separated from Anatolia, by the approximately 1 mile (1.6 km)-wide Mycale Strait. While largely mountainous, Samos has several relatively large and fertile plains.
Plot
Essentially true story of how Spartan king Leonidas led an extremely small army of Greek Soldiers (300 of them his personal body guards from Sparta) to hold off an invading Persian army now thought to have numbered 250,000. The actual heroism of those who stood (and ultimately died) with Leonidas helped shape the course of Western Civilization, allowing the Greek city states time to organize an army which repelled the Persians. Set in 480 BC.
Keywords: 5th-century-b.c., ambush, ancient-greece, armor, army, arrow, battle, battle-of-thermopylae, battlefield, best-friend
Thermopylae... mighty battle epic of a handful of men forming tyhe invincible "flying wedge" - against a killer horde five million strong!
Narrator: Across the hush of 24 centuries, this is the story of a turning point in history, of a blazing day when 300 Greek warriors fought here to hold with their lives their freedom and ours.
Xerxes, Persian King: It was my father's dream. One world, one master. But to Marathon ten years ago he sent a mere wave. I am leading an ocean!
Themistocles of Athens: The whole of Asia is descending upon us. Many times more men than there are Greeks. These men are fierce, savage, bloodthirsty, merciless. But that is not the reason why we should fear them. That is not the source of their power. Their power lies in their unity. Unity! Remember that one terrible word which will surely destroy Greece, unless we counter it with a unity of our own. A unity of free men fighting together resisting this united tide of tyranny.
Leonidas, Spartan King: A Spartan king cannot act without the authority of his people. But I know my people, and I know they will fight.::Themistocles of Athens: Will they lead all others?::Leonidas, Spartan King: Sparta will fight, whether others will follow or not.
Leonidas, Spartan King: The council must act quickly::Xenathon, Spartan Isolationist: Why?::Leonidas, Spartan King: In order that we Spartans may reach the first line of defense in time.::Xenathon, Spartan Isolationist: And where might that be?::Leonidas, Spartan King: The Pass of Thermopylae.::Xenathon, Spartan Isolationist: Thermopylae, of course. That's the pass that protects Athens.::Leonidas, Spartan King: No! It's the pass that protects GREECE! Mere cities don't matter now. It is Greece that counts! Only by being united can we hope to avoid slavery. Now, I am no politician, but I will plead this cause with you until the moon wanes and the night brings forth a new day!
Themistocles of Athens: Truth is a heady wine. A politician must never exaggerate people's capacity for it.
Leonidas, Spartan King: Spartans! We have reached Thermopylae. The orders are: From this wall, we do not retreat!
Pentheus, Leonidas' Second in Command: He saved my life, Leonidas.::Leonidas, Spartan King: I know that. He also disobeyed orders. [to Phylon] In wartime, the punishment is death. You know that Phylon.::Phylon, son of Grellas: Yes.::Leonidas, Spartan King: So death it will be. [to Agathon] Get him his armor and a red cloak. That's the only way for Spartans to die these days.
Demaratus, Exiled Spartan King: The Spartans will certainly fight, whether reinforcements arrive or not.::Xerxes, Persian King: Why, they are mad. I cannot think why you would want to be king of such an extraordinary people, Demaratus. I shall capture them alive and put them in cages and exhibit them all over Persia.
Hydarnes, Commander of the Immortals: [Xerxes has sent an emissary to demand the Spartan surrender] yesterday, we only probed your positions. When we attack today, our arrows will blot out the sun!::Leonidas, Spartan King: Good; then we will fight in the shade.::Hydarnes, Commander of the Immortals: Leonidas; you cannot win this fight.::Leonidas, Spartan King: Every day we stand is another day for Greece. [Starts to walk off]::Hydarnes, Commander of the Immortals: Leonidas, wait! Xerxes says that if you and your men lay down your arms, he will allow you to leave peaceably.::Leonidas, Spartan King: [In Greek] Come and take them!