What Tom Holland has said about Burning of Sardis

Holland compares the Athenian and Ionian burning of Sardis to the September 11 attacks as an affront Darius had to answer.

“obviously, this is the equivalent of people flying planes into the Twin Towers. I mean, this is an appalling insult and appalling affront”

The Rest Is History: 668. Greece vs Persia: The Rise of the First Superpower (Part 1) (May 10, 2026) · Listen from 5:05

Holland explains that Greek hoplites caught in open ground by Persian cavalry were extremely vulnerable, as shown in the rout after Sardis.

“if they get caught in open land by Persian cavalry, they are toast. And this is pretty much what happens now”

The Rest Is History: 668. Greece vs Persia: The Rise of the First Superpower (Part 1) (May 10, 2026) · Listen from 52:53