Spartans vs Legionnaires

Originally posted by Hercules
Herodotus VI,211, Diodorus Siculus, Library, XI,7 states that the Immortals were an elite corps 10,000 strong.

Xerxes sent his commander Hydarnes through the pass with the Immortals and other troops, total force was about 40,000 but the Immortals were there.

Wrong he estimated it at 2.6 million but that was including fleet crew and support, he estimated 1.7 million actual infantry.

He estimated 5.8 million as the total invasion force, not those present at Thermoplyae.

Modern estimates say 175,000 to 500,000 would be closer.

O. Wellll soo sowwwiee 🙄

And where did u read about 175K-500K? Ive read it was 80K- around 250K.

The tactics of the legion were derived heavily from the Spartan phalanx methods, including interlocking shield walls and short thrusting swords vs. longer ones. However the legionary system of maniples and the shape of the scutum vs. the hoplon allowed for easily withdrawal and movement of the men, unlike the pahalanx where you were essentially locked in place until the enemy was dead or you were.