Ancient Humpday Triviola

10/22/08, 2:18 PM #1

Thomas Skaggs
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Ancient Humpday Triviola

Well, here is a question about something that happened a little before my time....

I am referring to the Greco-Persian war. In 480 BC war is raging in Greece.

Themistocles, who has already persuaded his fellow citizens to invest in a navy, urges withdrawal. According to a story told by Herodotus, he makes good use of the oracle at Delphi which has told them to put their trust in a 'wooden wall'. Some people in Athens mis-interpreted the Oracle and retreated to the Acrolpolis and built a wooden wall around themselves. The Persians, using flaming arrows burned the wall and the Athenians were slaughtered.

However, most Athenians interpreted the advice of the Oracle correctly and that allowed them to escape. When the Oracle was referring to putting their trust in a "wooden wall" what was the Oracle referring to?

Tom

Re: Ancient Humpday Triviola

10/22/08, 2:28 PM #2

Dan Donaldson
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5,264 posts

Registered: 9/17/01

Re: Ancient Humpday Triviola

I was fairly young at the time. I could probably try to float an answer past you, but not sure my memory is good enough to get it right.

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: Ancient Humpday Triviola

10/22/08, 4:39 PM #3

Nikos Annitsakis
Guest

Re: Ancient Humpday Triviola

As a kid I was swimming in the waters where all this action took place!

I think this is as good a hint as I can come up with.

Re: Ancient Humpday Triviola

10/22/08, 5:01 PM #4

Dave Anderson NH
Guest

Re: Ancient Humpday Triviola

I can sea the answer on the horizon somewhere, but it's too far to row for me. I always thought Themistocles was just a figurehead and he ended up getting reamed 3 times (tri-reamed as it were)

Re: Ancient Humpday Triviola

10/22/08, 6:23 PM #5

Thomas Skaggs
Guest

It's Official....I hate you people!!! Answer

Geez, I can't even stump you guys with ancient trivia!

My theory is that Dan tipped off the others. And despite his claims I'm thinking he had first hand information. 2,500 years old and he is sharp as a tack! ;-)

Yes, the wooden wall the Oracle of Delphi referred to was a ship. Most of the Athenians interpreted the words correctly and used ships to flee the Persians.

Old Dan gets the Golden Uni and Nikos and Dave get golden kudos for also knowing the answer. Come to think of it...I have a feeling Nikos had insider knowledge too!! ;-)

Good job fellas!

Tom

Re: Ancient Humpday Triviola

10/22/08, 6:42 PM #6

Steven Antonucci
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Registered: 1/21/10

Googled it, and it doesn't look like they fled?

The information that I found said that they basically kicked Persian butt in the naval battle, sinking 2000 ships or so. Sent Xerses packing!

Steve

Re: Ancient Humpday Triviola

10/22/08, 7:30 PM #7

Thomas Skaggs
Guest

Re: Googled it, and it doesn't look like they fled

They did kick butt with their navy. The Oracle gave that advice to guide them from land conflict in Athens.

T.

Ancient Humpday Triviola

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