Much of this covers pretty familiar ground - but lots of interesting new details and Holland always has an interesting take on things. I had read an innovative way of telling the story last year, so this book was an excellent follow-on.
Assyrian to Medes to Persians. Via Cyrus. All three groups crazy successful, especially the Persians.
Darius usurps from Cyrus #2 son who usurped from Cyrus #1 son (Cambyses)
Persians as relative upstarts coming in from the east.
Sparta - what a culture.
Athens democracy arrives in 507 BC as a last resort for Cleisthenes This happens during the reign of Darius. Implementing democracy - or something - seemed to galvanize the population.
Battle of Marathon page 195 and following. A completely unexpected victory for Athens acting pretty much by itself.
Notwithstanding land battle success, Themistocles persuades Athens to build ships and rely on a navy for the next fight. This was a difficult persuasive effort.
Xerxes succeeds Darius and prepares to teach Athens and Sparta a lesson, great preparation underway.
Page 258 explaining the 300 - Spartans remove main army because of religious holiday normally requiring truce. The 300, plus some allies, were thought or hoped to be sufficient to hold Thermopylae. It worked out well enough.
The battle concludes after Thermopylae with some naval engagements etc. Persia makes a few more attempts, but Xerxes needs to head home and invasion efforts finally fizzle out.
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