Thermopylae - Battle for the West, recounts the tale of the three-day battle for the pass at the "Hot Gates" of Thermopylae. This tale was most recently told in the Hollywood over-simplification-but-still-impressive block-buster "300".

If you're not familiar with the story, the then King of Sparta, Leonidas, played a devastating yet suicidal delaying tactic to hold the advancing Persian army of Xerxes. This gave the Greeks time to settle their differences and prepare for the coming onslaught.

Thermopylae - Battle for the West, also covers the lead-up to the battle at the Hot Gates, and the final crushing defeat of of the Persian army at Plataea that ended the Greco-Persian wars, where the Spartans once again showed their superior military tactics and training.

This is a very compelling read for anyone interested in Greek history. This battle, and the resulting defeat of the Persian army is what defined the western world.

Tags: books, history