Posted on 08/14/2011 6:35:46 AM PDT by Lonesome in Massachussets
The guy was known for his long distance running prowess, so, we’ll have to agree to disagree on that one.
:’)
If you mean the bit about the story being apochryphal... There are differing accounts, with the runner’s name changing. There is one account, probably the most reliable, that credits a messenger who traveled from to Athens to Sparta and back in about three days, relaying the Spartans’ response. He survived fine. His name is also attributed, in some accounts, to the fallen messenger, but again, the name varies considerably in different accounts. There is also on account that the Greeks hurried back to Athens after the battle, fearing a Persian naval attack on the city.
It’s an interesting story, the runner heading for Sparta to ask them to get their asses in gear, and being told, no, we can’t make it just now.
The rest of it — Sparta’s showing up not long after the battle was over, to take control of Greece on behalf of their Persian allies, finding out instead that the real Greeks had prevailed.
I regard the Spartans as GINOs. :’)
Some other time I’ll post a topic about how the 700 Thespian warriors stuck in the fight at Thermopylae and shamed the Spartans into doing the same — and getting no credit for even having been there. :’)
It’s just that people have a hard time envisioning savage thespians. :-))
What is that anyway, a lisping lesbian?
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