The Spartans have been crushed by the Persians, and Xerxes marches on Athens. But what really happened? Let’s find out in this week’s instalment of History vs Hollywood.
I like how history refuses to follow a Hollywood script (with convenient heroes and villains) and run time. The real story is far more fascinating, and impossible to neatly fit into a movie.
That said, I was shocked in researching your next subject (Gladiator) at how closely the historical account and the movie script aligned. Looking forward to your coverage of it.
This is very interesting material. I just - & I mean *just* - finished Steven Pressfield’s book Gates of Fire. Supposedly the is based very closely on fact, but he, like Frank Miller, has Xerxes spectating as if at a tennis match. I liked the image & am a little sad to discover it’s not true! I’m going to enjoy your Substack, I can see.
Well it seems it is more than probable he sat and watched the battle of Salamis from the cliffs. So there is still some truth in it somewhere. Is it worth a read?
Yes, for sure. It gave me a really good insight into Spartan life & attitudes. I read it because someone in Substack wrote an article called ‘The Best Book I’ve Ever Read’. I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s certainly pretty good. I’m glad Xerxes watched at least one battle!
I like how history refuses to follow a Hollywood script (with convenient heroes and villains) and run time. The real story is far more fascinating, and impossible to neatly fit into a movie.
That said, I was shocked in researching your next subject (Gladiator) at how closely the historical account and the movie script aligned. Looking forward to your coverage of it.
Thanks! It will be out tomorrow :)
Love the sketches Charlie! Frank Miller is jealous
This is very interesting material. I just - & I mean *just* - finished Steven Pressfield’s book Gates of Fire. Supposedly the is based very closely on fact, but he, like Frank Miller, has Xerxes spectating as if at a tennis match. I liked the image & am a little sad to discover it’s not true! I’m going to enjoy your Substack, I can see.
Well it seems it is more than probable he sat and watched the battle of Salamis from the cliffs. So there is still some truth in it somewhere. Is it worth a read?
Yes, for sure. It gave me a really good insight into Spartan life & attitudes. I read it because someone in Substack wrote an article called ‘The Best Book I’ve Ever Read’. I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s certainly pretty good. I’m glad Xerxes watched at least one battle!