How important was Thermopylae?

[Kyriakos]

Thermopylae also was important as a symbol - still is.

Here is a poem by Constantin Cavafy, using that:

Thermopylae


Glory be to those who in their lives
tend to and protect Thermopylae.
Never to take leave from their duty;
just and forward in all of their actions,
but also with sadness and compassion;
brave while they are wealthy, and when
they are poor also brave to some smaller degree,
again coming to aid as much as they can;
always speaking the truth,
but without hatred for those who lie.


And even more glory to them is due
when they predict (and many of them do predict)
that Ephialtes will in the end appear,
and the Medes will finally pass.

(my own translation)

[Machiavelli!]

From Greek Cities states perspective:
1. Tactical Defeat
2. Strategic Victory (delaying action)
3. Morale Victory
4. Spiritual Victory