But if defenders resist, or are allowed to recoup, then the advantage often shifts to those with the will to fight as they increasingly harness resources against their attackers who are maxed-out in terms of what they are able, or willing, to commit: consider Napoleon and then Hitler and their onslaught against Russia, or the United States’ invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. Military incursions nearly always plan for maximum force at the beginning to ensure victory.
Throughout history, the most effective combatants, revolutionaries and insurgents have been ‘ devoted actors’ fused together by dedication to non-negotiable ‘ sacred values’ such as God, country or liberty. Or so goes the legend that became part of Western civilisation’s creation myth. Leonidas and his ‘300 immortals’ who refused offers to save themselves were eventually slaughtered, but an inspired Greece would win the war. Leonidas famously retorted ‘Come and take them’ (μολὼν λαϐέ/molṑn labé). Then Xerxes wrote again: ‘Hand over your arms.’
Plutarch records that Xerxes, Persia’s ‘King of Kings’, made a written offer he thought Leonidas could hardly refuse: ‘It is possible for you … by ranging yourself on my side, to be the sole ruler of Greece.’ Leonidas allegedly answered: ‘If you had any knowledge of the noble things of life, you would refrain from coveting others’ possessions but for me to die for Greece is better than to be the sole ruler.’ The invading Persian army was thousands-strong, and the Greek states had yet to mobilise a response. Leonidas, King of Sparta, arrived at Thermopylae with a small advance guard to hold off a massive Persian assault in 480 BCE.
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