- At the time of death, many fear separation from loved ones more than death itself
- Tells in vivid detail the brutal conquering of his town by Argos
- He is later caught steeling and is put up on a cross to be killed. His friends save him but his hands are ruined and he's devastated as now he cannot become a soldier. A god appears and tells him he shall become an archer instead which his hands can handle
- He comes under the tutelage of a Spartan and recounts the brutal training and way of life of these warrior people
- The Spartans made fear a science and were so machine like in war that just their formations, singing and smiles pre war unnerved their enemies
- He described the war against the Persians so vividly you feel like you're there. From the smells, emotions, weapons and after effects. It must have been one of the most intense and surreal experiences man can endure
What I got out of it
- Incredibly well written novel about the Battle of Thermopylae. Really good insight into Spartan life, culture and how brutal and life altering warfare at the time was