Under a storm of Persian arrows, the Spartans would not engage until they had received a favourable omen.
This pre-battle sacrifice seems to have relied on priests observing the flow of blood from the animals throat. All the while the Spartans waited for a favourable sacrifice, their casualties mounted from the Persian arrow storm.
The Spartan regent Pausanias watches with his helmet pushed back from his face. Eventually the omens were favourable and Pausanias led his hoplites to attack the Persians.

From: Osprey Publishing's, Warrior163- Spartan Warrior 735-331 BC

PRICE: £350.00 (unframed)
IMAGE AREA: Approx. H 23cm x w 31cm ( H 9 x W 12 inches)
MEDIUM: Water colour