What sets Gates of Fire apart from other historical fiction, is the nuance with which Pressfield dives into and explores the bond that is formed between brothers in arms, and the doubts and fears that plague their minds as war approaches. Upon its release in 1998, Gates of Fire was critically acclaimed for not only its gripping story-telling and historical accuracy, but also for its exploration of themes such as fear, courage, honour, duty, and stoicism, so much so, that the book is on the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Reading list. Impressed by the Greek’s bravery, the Persian king Xerxes orders the man’s life be saved, and has him recount his life story so the God king may learn more about these men who were able to defy him. Following the pyrrhic victory over the Greeks, the Persians discover the body of Xeones at death’s door. The novel follows the two as they grow up in Sparta, undergo the rigorous training of the Agoge, and eventually find themselves holding the pass of Thermopylae against the Persian forces. As a Perioikoi, Xeo serves the Spartans and it’s not long before he squires for a young Spartan boy named Alexandros.

After his own city is sacked, a young boy named Xeones travels to Sparta where he becomes a Perioikoi, a free but non-citizen inhabitant of the city. Gates of Fire is a historical novel which tells the story of the Spartans who would eventually go on to play key roles in the legendary battle. While some of the Greek forces did choose to retreat as defeat drew ever closer, the Spartans, along with the Thebans, covered the allies’ retreat and their valour has since gone down as one of the finest and most famous last stands in history. In order to buy time for the rest of the country to rally its armies, a force of 300 Spartans, accompanied by a number of allies from other city states including Arcadia, Thebes, and Corinth, travelled to a far-flung corner of Greece known as Thermopylae to stall the invaders for as long as possible.ĭespite the overwhelming odds, the Spartans and their allies were able to hold off the Persian forces for over three days before they were finally overwhelmed. In 480 BC, the Persian empire descended upon Greece with the largest force the world had ever seen. Rarely does an author manage to re-create a moment in history with such mastery, authority, and psychological insight.” NO MAJOR SPOILERS “An incredibly gripping, moving, and literate work of art.

Gates of fire novel