The "300" mind-numbingly stupid Hollywood movie had a lasting shock effect on me. For the sake of Gates of Fire I had to overcome some deep-rooted treThe "300" mind-numbingly stupid Hollywood movie had a lasting shock effect on me. For the sake of Gates of Fire I had to overcome some deep-rooted trepidation to be willing to venture into a novel whose subject is Sparta and Thermopylae. After this difficult start, in the end, I don't regret my decision. Gates of Fire is a fun historical fiction read. Pressfield conceivably portrays the everyday life in ancient Hellas when individuals first identified themselves with their cities before even thinking of Hellas or the Greek nation as a whole. The author is knowledgeable about ancient warfare and his description of the Spartan society is also interesting. Unfortunately the novel cann't help idolizing the Spartans. It's one thing that the Spartan phalanxes, like ancient versions of SEAL or SAS troops, wreak havoc on their enemies on the battlefield in a deadly efficient manner. The Spartans, in this novel, stand for much more than magnificently trained and effective warriors though. They are amazingly funny, wise, philosophical, romantic, merciful and astute people. In fact, the Spartans are depicted as the noble super humans of their ancient times. I give two stars because I couldn't get into the mood of adoring so immaculate heroism....more
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