<P> It is also said that on the southern side of the track stood cliffs that overlooked the pass . However, a glance at any photograph of the pass shows there are no cliffs, only steep slopes covered in thorny bushes and trees . Although no obstacle to individuals, such terrain would not be passable by an army and its baggage train . </P> <P> On the north side of the roadway was the Malian Gulf, into which the land shelved gently . When the Gauls attempted to force the pass, the shallowness of the water gave the Greek fleet great difficulty getting close enough to the fighting to bombard the Gauls with ship - borne missile weapons . </P> <P> Along the path itself was a series of three constrictions, or "gates" (pylai), and at the center gate a short wall that had been erected by the Phocians, in the previous century, to aid in their defense against Thessalian invasions . The name "Hot Gates" comes from the hot springs that were located there . </P> <P> The terrain of the battlefield was nothing that Xerxes and his forces were accustomed to . Although coming from a mountainous country, the Persians were not prepared for the real nature of the country they had invaded . The pure ruggedness of this area is caused by torrential downpours for four months of the year, combined with an intense summer season of scorching heat that cracks the ground . Vegetation is scarce and consists of low, thorny shrubs . The hillsides along the pass are covered in thick brush, with some plants reaching 10 feet (3.0 m) high . With the sea on one side and steep, impassable hills on the other, King Leonidas and his men chose the perfect topographical position to battle the Persian invaders . </P>

Which battle is considered the most glorious defeat in greek history