Persian fire

In 480 B.C., the mighty Persian Empire, led by King Xerxes, launched a massive invasion of Greece, expecting an easy victory. Yet, against all odds, the fragmented Greek city-states managed to resist, turning back the largest expeditionary force ever assembled. This pivotal moment, particularly the naval battle at Salamis, secured the independence of Greece and profoundly shaped the future of Western civilization. Tom Holland's acclaimed work explores this ancient clash of empires, drawing fascinating parallels between the past and our present.