Volunteers Needed for the Battle Reenactment – Click Here!
The historic live battle reenactment will take place at the Columbia Greek Festival on Saturday evening, September 22 at 5:00 pm right in the middle of the 1900 block of Main Street, in front of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
This performance will tell the true story of one of history’s greatest struggles for freedom against overwhelming odds and how the underdog Greeks came out victorious over the colossal Persian Empire. Separate fact from fiction, movies from reality and find out how a small group of fiercely independent Greek city-states fought off enslavement against the all-conquering vast Persian hordes invading from the East.
The Greco-Persian War of the 5th century B.C. is one of the most important conflicts in the history of mankind and it was the first major clash between East and West.
Travel with us on an imaginary trip back in time 2,500 years and have a front row seat to thrilling combat action! Observe soldiers in the uniforms, armor and weapons each side utilized 25 centuries ago and experience what combat was like in the ancient world at legendary battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis and Plataea, up close and personal.
You’ll witness the unshakable Spartans in their simple, traditional blood red tunics and heavy bronze armor standing defiantly ready to defend their homes and families from foreign invasion using deadly fighting skills with spear and shield that they’ve perfected since childhood.
Opposing them and sure of victory, the many diverse soldiers from different countries throughout the massive Persian Empire appear confident and imposing in their variously assorted, exotic, colorful, flowing robes with bow and arrows, axes and javelins prepared to easily add tiny Greece to the hundreds of nations they have already conquered.
Live narration provided by award-winning reenactor, historian and US Marine Infantry Veteran Chris Pangalos will explain the differences between the two opposite forces. You’ll learn what each of their battle field techniques & tactics were, understand the weapons they employed and more. All told in a simple, exciting, historically accurate way that Herodotus, the Ancient Greek “Father of History” and Aesop the great Ancient Greek master story teller of fables would be proud of that you will enjoy.
Come find out how the vastly outnumbered Greek troops led by the indomitable Spartans were able to stand up to and defeat the largest and most powerful empire the world had yet seen!
It is going to be an event you won’t want to miss! We hope to see all of you there!
Columbia’s Greek Festival
Saturday – September 22 at 5:00 pm
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
On the 1900 block of Main Street
Columbia, SC
