Battle Of Thermopylae Analysis

The battle of Thermopylae was a classic underdog story, with a small group of determined soldiers fighting a vast, impenetrable army. This conflict was much like The Battle of Morgarten between Austria and Switzerland in 1315. Duke Leopold I of Austria, decided to put Europe's mutual hatred of the Swiss to good use by invading the country with a force of anywhere between 3,000 and 5,000 foot soldiers and cavalry. According to chronicler Johannes Vitoduranus, "The men of this army came together with one purpose, to utterly subdue and humiliate those peasants who were surrounded with mountains as with walls." These soldiers were extremely suited for battle, riding with heavy armor that could protect against most weapons of the time. These
soldiers were expected to ride through Switzerland, crushing any resistance or annoyance that they came across. The only real advantage the Swiss possessed was a Halberd, a combination of a spear an axe and a meat hook. This weapon has been referred to as the first swiss army knife, and was very useful in battle. The Austrian forces were confronted by a roadblock at the narrow point between Lake Aegeri and Morgarten. They would soon learn why no one wanted to attack the Swiss, as they were caught in a trap. There were 1,500 Swiss confederates stationed in the cliffs above who started hurling enough rocks, logs, and debris that the opposing force was overwhelmed. The battle was a complete massacre.
The advancements and sheer number of the Austrian offensive served little purpose as they were pummeled by the Swiss assault. This is much like the Battle of Thermopylae in that the invading force perceives that they will undoubtedly prevail , but the defensive force hold strong. The Spartans as well as the Swiss are protecting their ancient freedoms, as explained in this passage, “Sweetest of all is liberty. This we have chosen and this we pay for. We have embraced the laws of Lykurgus, and they are stern laws. They have schooled us to scorn the life of leisure, which this rich land of ours would bestow upon us if we wished, and instead to enroll ourselves in the academy of discipline and sacrifice. Guided by these laws, our fathers for twenty generations have breathed the blessed air of freedom and have paid the bill in full when it was presented. We, their sons, can do no less.” Planning to use the homefield advantage and the geography to help their defence, both in the Hot Gates and in the canyon between lakes Aegeri and Morgarten, was a brilliant strategical tactic that helped both parties. The greeks however, were not so fortunate as to win the battle. They showed resilience and strength against the enemy until the time their life was taken from
them.