Pleistarchus, Lampito, Xerxes, Gorgo, King Leonidas, a mysterious "ghost", the ever-optimistic Dienekes, the wise Artabanus, the former king Demaratus, Prince Hyperanthes, Ephialtes, Hydarnes and the indestructible Immortals, the "coward" Aristodemus and the brave Alpheus, the anonymous Kissians and Hyrcanians, Medes and Africans, Thebans, Peloponnesians and Locrians, all together, Greeks and Persians, attendants and hoplites, heroes and traitors, great and small, men and women, real or imaginary, unravel the thread that leads to one of the most legendary crossroads in history.