The Thermopylae Historic Information Centre (KETH) includes three halls, the applications of which have been edited by the Foundation of the Hellenic World. The collection of educational material is based on the history of Herod and on archaeological research. In the first room, named “Leonidas”, the visitor can watch a video lasting approximately seven minutes, which is informative about the Centre's operation, as well as what awaits moving into in the other halls of the Historical Information Centre. In the second room, called “Dinekis”, the visitor wears 3D glasses to watch the fifteen-minute virtual reality video showing historical data of the Battle, the Greeks military equipment, the Anopaia Road Crossing and the outcome of the battle. In this scene, the viewer feels as though he is present and follows the nightmare, going on well into the night, the Persians from Anopaia Street to the Western Gate and Kolonos Hill. In the third hall, namely “Thermopylae”, the visitor can activate the touch screens of special interactive tables and easily understand all the information about the history of the Battle as well as the general historical outline of the Persian Wars, the reasons of the Wars, to see the battle of Artemisio, to learn about the prominent frontline fighters, who were the 300, what their armour was like, what were both army's strategies and how they were lined up at the time of battle and much more, presented in an unexpected and enjoyable way.
Historical Description-Overview:
The Battle of Thermopylae was held in 480 BC between the Greeks and Persians, alongside the battle of Artemisio. At the beginning of September, the large Persian army with its leader Kserksis arrived at the Thermopylae Straits. The Greeks had pre-selected this strategic point to face the Persian assault. Kserksis demanded from Leonidas, the leader of the Greek army, to hand over his weapons, but he replied “Come and get it”. For two days the Greeks heroically resisted. On the third day, the Nightmare betrays the Greeks, indicating to the Persians the path through which they will find themselves behind the Greeks. So then the Persian army encircled the Greeks. Leonidas remains on the battlefield with 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians and 400 Thebans, faithful to the laws of the home country. He falls dead from the Persians arrows. After hearing the news, the Hellenic fleet, moved away from Artemisio and retreated to Salamina, where they later achieved a major victory. The Battle of Thermopylae is considered to be one of the most important battles of Greek and World history, teaching values such as bravery, self-sacrifice and obedience to the home country.