I was surprised to learn this

[Cybermat47]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Thermopylae_(1941)

Who would've thought that Australian and New Zealand troops fought in the same place as the legendary 300 Spartans (and 700 Thespians and 400 Thebans) :o

Even though I'm an agnostic atheist, I can't help but wonder if the spirits of those Greek warriors somehow helped the Australians and New Zealanders...

I think I'll pass this on to other forums. I'm somehow extremely proud that troops from my country were in the same place and situation as the 300 Spartans (and 700 Thespians and 400 Thebans) who I admire so much.

Now, back to watching the 1962 epic The 300 Spartans :arrgh!:

EDIT: Say, I wonder what the chances of one of the Australian, New Zealand or German troops being related to a Greek warrior who took part in the battle are?

[Dread Knot]

That spot was a bit tougher to defend in 1941 since the sea has retreated from where it was in 480 BC.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/Thermopylae_map_480bc.png

[Cybermat47]

^^^

That's just a bit of a difference :o

[Cybermat47]

Woah, I'm watching The 300 Spartans, and who I think is Demophilus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demophilus_of_Thespiae) has what looks like Swastikas on his armour. Make of that what you will :haha:

[Aktungbby]

Indeed!
Theories/Speculation



Modern interpretations of Greek mythological symbols on shields have appeared in film, television and in politics. Another popular symbol among the Greeks was one which became corrupted by the Nazi regime in the 1930s and '40s--the swastika. A pre-Christian symbol, the swastika was used extensively throughout the ancient world as a geometrical design, especially in Greece. Other symbols and designs for shields which are somewhat authentic have appeared in major motion pictures such as "Alexander" and "300," though it should be noted that the Spartans in "300" lacked the iconic inverted "V" symbol in its traditional colors, instead opting for an all-bronze face.:salute:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/31/Marvinthemartain.jpg/220px-Marvinthemartain.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Marvinthemartain.jpg)



Read more: http://www.ehow.com/about_4586869_greek-mythology-shields.html#ixzz2vhEbcDeA (http://www.ehow.com/about_4586869_greek-mythology-shields.html#ixzz2vhEbcDeA)
very close (left shield?!)>http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/9263434481_d03e6d6c2a_o.jpg (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/9263434481_d03e6d6c2a_o.jpg)

[Gargamel]

How can one be an agnostic atheist? Agnostics aren't sure, but atheists are. An atheist usually believes in the lack of a god more than a theist believes in one. Kinda hard to be both.

[Herr-Berbunch]

...and who I think is Demophilus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demophilus_of_Thespiae) has what looks like Swastikas on his armour. Make of that what you will :haha:

I don't see what's funny. The symbol has been used all over the globe by many cultures, only to be hijacked in the early part of the 20th century by the monoballed* Austrian. Even the Jews used it.






*The other, if you need to ask, is in the Albert hall.

[Herr-Berbunch]

And don't be an agnostic atheist, be a secular humanist. :03:

[Sailor Steve]

I had a friend who was a dyslexic atheist. He insisted there was no Dog.

I limit myself to being an insomniac dyslexic agnostic. I lie awake nights wondering whether there's a Dog or not.

[Jimbuna]

How can one be an agnostic atheist? Agnostics aren't sure, but atheists are. An atheist usually believes in the lack of a god more than a theist believes in one. Kinda hard to be both.

Much like an awfully good oxymoron.

[Spiced_Rum]

I had a friend who was a dyslexic atheist. He insisted there was no Dog.

I limit myself to being an insomniac dyslexic agnostic. I lie awake nights wondering whether there's a Dog or not.

That is why I am always kind to puppies, because they are all the sons/daughters of Dog and Mankind's best friend.

[BrucePartington]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Thermopylae_(1941)

Who would've thought that Australian and New Zealand troops fought in the same place as the legendary 300 Spartans (and 700 Thespians and 400 Thebans) :o

Even though I'm an agnostic atheist, I can't help but wonder if the spirits of those Greek warriors somehow helped the Australians and New Zealanders...

I think I'll pass this on to other forums. I'm somehow extremely proud that troops from my country were in the same place and situation as the 300 Spartans (and 700 Thespians and 400 Thebans) who I admire so much.

Now, back to watching the 1962 epic The 300 Spartans :arrgh!:

EDIT: Say, I wonder what the chances of one of the Australian, New Zealand or German troops being related to a Greek warrior who took part in the battle are?

George S. Patton:
"Through the travail of the ages
Midst the pomp and toil of war
Have I fought and strove and perished
Countless times upon this star.
I have sinned and I have suffered
Played the hero and the knave
Fought for belly, shame or country
And for each have found a grave.
So as through a glass and darkly
The age long strife I see
Where I fought in many guises,
Many names -- but always me."

[Cybermat47]

How can one be an agnostic atheist? Agnostics aren't sure, but atheists are. An atheist usually believes in the lack of a god more than a theist believes in one. Kinda hard to be both.

In my opinion, there's no God, but I don't dismiss the possibility entirely.

[TarJak]

So you're either confused or agnostic.

[Cybermat47]

So you're either confused or agnostic.

IDK LOL :haha:

[Flamebatter90]

Agnosticism and atheism are not mutually exclusive. To greatly simplify the difference, agnosticism is about knowledge whereas atheism is about opinion/belief/position.

"I don't think the keys are under the couch." = Atheist
"I'm not sure if the keys are under the couch." = Agnostic
"I don't think the keys are under the couch, but I'm not sure." = Agnostic atheist

That's how I see it.

[Jimbuna]

In my opinion, there's no God, but I don't dismiss the possibility entirely.

Are you related to Warren Mitchell (Alf Garnett)?

He holds both British and Australian citizenship and describes himself in interviews as an atheist who sometimes believes in God :hmmm:

[Cybermat47]

Agnosticism and atheism are not mutually exclusive. To greatly simplify the difference, agnosticism is about knowledge whereas atheism is about opinion/belief/position.

"I don't think the keys are under the couch." = Atheist
"I'm not sure if the keys are under the couch." = Agnostic
"I don't think the keys are under the couch, but I'm not sure." = Agnostic atheist

That's how I see it.

And you're absolutely right. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnostic_atheism)