Monument to the 700 Thespians — Attraction in Lamia Municipality

The Battle of Thermopylae, in 480 BC is one of the most famous last stands in history. Leonidas and the 300 Spartans have become a symbol of bravery in the face of insurmountable odds. The Spartans did not march to Thermopylae alone. The brave Thespians also fought and died at Thermopylae. Led by Demophilus of Thespiae, 700 Thespians reached Thermopylae. Off to the side of the larger statue of Leonidas at Thermopylae, there is a monument made of marble and features a bronze statue dedicated to the 700 Thespians fallen in the battle alongside the 300 Spartans. The bronze statue depicts a naked body , a symbol of Eros, the god of creativity, beauty and life, the oldest of the gods. The Thespians held Eros above all other gods. The monument has a broken wing and missing head, which are all symbolic. The one wing up is a symbol of victory and spirit of freedom and the broken wing symbolizes the voluntary sacrifice and their death. The missing head represents the anonymous sacrifice of...

The monument in the memory of the 700 Thespians who fell fighting along the 300 Spartans is due tribute not only for the sacrifice of these brave men but also to the millions of men who have fallen doing their of duty but have never received the respect they deserve. Thespiae was never a more than a small yet proud and respectable city state of the Greek world, always overshadowed by its powerful neighbors, most notably Thebes. Today, it is little more than a village. Though small on the map, the proud stand of its men on this occasion has engraved a lasting legacy on history....

Good to visit the Monument to the Thespians, however sad to see it in such a bad condition. Its unrespectful to see the monument broken down, and dirty. It needs urgent repairs (the marble has be broken off in many places. the writings washed off and illumination is bad). Shame to the people responsible for not maintaining world cultural heritage. What also needs to be take care of, is that there are monuments on each side of the road with no safe passage for pedestrians. One has to run across the road with...