The above image is what you could call the latest salvo in the Gun Control Issue.
Yes, the Persians and the Spartans (with their Greek Allies) did face off at the narrow pass, but Historians feel that although Xerxes Army totalled 2.5 million troops, he landed only 250,000 at the narrow pass (300,000 counting the camp followers). Leonidas, leader of the Spartans, was able to field a force of 7500 troops; 300 of which were Spartans.
Tactically, the pass at Thermopylae was ideally suited to the Greek style of warfare. A hoplite phalanx would be able to block the narrow pass with ease, with no risk of being outflanked by cavalry. In the pass, the phalanx would have been very difficult to assault for the more lightly armed Persian infantry. The major weak point for the Greeks was the mountain track which led across the highland parallel to Thermopylae, and which would allow their position to be outflanked. Although probably unsuitable for cavalry, this path could easily be traversed by the Persian infantry (many of whom were versed in mountain warfare). Leonidas was made aware of this path by local people from Trachis, and he positioned a detachment of Phocian troops there in order to block this route.
From a strategic point of view, by defending Thermopylae, the Greeks were making the best possible use of their forces. As long as they could prevent further Persian advance into Greece, they had no requirement to seek a decisive battle, and could thus remain on the defensive. Moreover, by defending two constricted passages (Thermopylae and Artemisium), the Greeks' inferior numbers became less problematic. Conversely, for the Persians the problem of supplying such a large army meant that the Persians could not remain in the same place for too long. The Persians must therefore retreat or advance; and advancing required the pass of Thermopylae to be forced.
Today, the pass is not near the sea but is several miles inland because of sedimentation in the Malian Gulf. The old track appears at the foot of hills around the plain, flanked by a modern road. Recent core samples indicate that the pass was only 100 meters wide and the waters came up to the gates; "Little do the visitors realize that the battle took place across the road from the monument." The pass still is a natural defensive position to modern armies, and British Commonwealth forces in World War II made a defense in 1941 against the Nazi invasion metres from the original battle field.
Since the shooting at Newtown, the NRA and others have besieged the media with what they feel is a full frontal assault on owning weapons of all types. Many will use historical events to try and bolster their arguments. The arguments are presented in such a way as to say this event happened but they leave out details (facts are such pesky things).
The Persians were not out to just disarm the Greeks and their Allies, they wanted to take over all of Greece especially after their defeat at Marathon.
Yes, the Persians were able to defeat the Greeks and Spartans at Thermopylae but that was because a Greek traitor showed Xerxes a route (mentioned above) that enabled the Persians to flank and attack from the rear the Greeks.
Many weapons enthusiasts feel, because of mis-information, they could hold off an assault by Government Forces should they come for their weapons. Custer thought he could dislodge Indians from their lands and wound up being defeated. Custer thought he and his 700 men could take on 800 Native Americans but on the day of the Battle the 7th Cavalry faced 1500 to 2000 tribesmen from Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho, led by several major war leaders, including Crazy Horse and Gall, inspired by the visions of Sitting Bull. It did not help Custer being well armed; what helped the Natives was numerical superiority.
If the Government ever came after peoples weapons, they could do it because of numerical and technological superiority. Firearm owners contend members of the Military would be loathed to attack civilians, but when faced with a choice (Court Martial or do as you are told) the majority will follow orders.
The gun lobby knows it can play on peoples fears like a guitar and posters like this only serve that purpose.
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