From the Battlefields of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Chaeronea

Dr. Benedict Beckeld's last video from Greece: Some spontaneous thoughts from the battlefields of Marathon (490 BC), Thermopylae (480 BC), and Chaeronea (338 BC).
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[@SpaceProbeSeven]

There's just something special about touring battlefields. Thanks for the upload!

[@BenedictBeckeld]

Agreed, I've done quite a few. And thanks!

[@selimgure]

The fact that those men were willing to die not only for their people, but also for "the" civilization is astounding in and of itself. It is beyond belief that there were among them intellectuals such as playwrights and poets. I am hoping to make the pilgrimage quite soon.

[@BenedictBeckeld]

Indeed. It may be somewhat arguable to what extent they felt they were dying for a whole civilization as opposed to just their own country (although that distinction itself cannot have been as strong to them as it is to us today), but either way I don't think it diminishes the magnitude of their sacrifice. And yes, that's one of the best things about the Greeks: that being a soldier and an intellectual or e.g. an athlete and an artist at the very same time was perfectly natural to them. I'm sure you'll enjoy the trip when it happens.

[@jaybe1203]

So good video, Benedict.

[@BenedictBeckeld]

Thank you!

[@jebjeb1498]

Thank you,Dr Beckeld.I had intended to travel to these sacred sites but of course Covid stopped everything.Yes all Greece is sacred.We owe them everything.I enjoyed seeing the hallowed ground of the Greek heroes.Best wishes

[@BenedictBeckeld]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! (I was actually surprised by how strict the Greeks were with Covid enforcement - I had expected them to be a bit lax, as they tend to be in other things - but it worked out in the end.)

[@jebjeb1498]

I know it's not mainland Greece but Heraklion Museum,Crete,is well worth a visit if you havent been there.Different era of course but mind blowing artefacts in abundance.Cretans are friendly,too.

[@BenedictBeckeld]

Thanks for the tip! I haven't been to Crete yet, or any of the islands, but it's definitely on my list.