Historian A: Herodotus – The Heroic Perspective

'Herodotus presents Thermopylae as a symbol of heroism and sacrifice. He emphasizes the bravery of the Spartans and their stand against overwhelming Persian forces. Herodotus highlights the moral virtue of the defenders, portraying their sacrifice as essential for the preservation of Greek freedom and identity. He suggests that the Spartans' courageous stand inspired the Greek city-states to unite against Persia, making Thermopylae a pivotal moment in Greek history.'

Historian B: Xenophon – The Strategic Perspective

'Xenophon offers a different view, focusing on the strategic mistakes made during the battle. He criticizes the decision to defend the narrow pass, arguing that it led to unnecessary loss of life and could have been avoided with better planning. Xenophon emphasizes the importance of military strategy and criticizes the heroic narrative, suggesting that the battle was more a result of tactical errors than heroism. He sees Thermopylae as a costly mistake rather than a noble sacrifice.'