Thermopylae- Greece

One of the things that was made evident on our 

Footsteps of Paul trip in March 2022

was how much Greek history I had forgotten.

Thermopylae was one of those spots.

Thermopylae means "hot gates", 

referring to the hot sulphur springs in the area.

The entrance to Hades, the underworld of Greek mythology

 was said to be at Thermopylae.

On the right and left 

is the marble figures of Taigetos.

This is the personification of the highest mountain

 in the Pelopolnese and the personified Evrotas-

 which is a river flowing through the whole region of Laconia.

The Memorial in Thermopylae, 

which was erected in 1955, 

was by the sculptor named Vasos Falireas. 

This is the brass statue of Leonides 

with his spear and shield in the center.

Now it is nearly 2500 years since the Battle 

and it is still revered in our Western culture as the ultimate

symbol of heroic perseverance against odds 

that are were deemed insurmountable.

Maybe not a bad idea to remember 

when it is time to give up or it seems 

like there is no win in the game.

Paul would have been very aware 

of this historical event. 

Perhaps it brought him encouragement

 when the odds were overwhelming 

and the world was against him.