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Old 02-22-2004, 12:45 PM   #18 (permalink)
Spartak
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Location: New Zealand
The Soviet Union in WWII, because of stupid ideologies from above (ie capture this city by a certain date, and hold this city at all costs, etc), skilled commanders were made to sacrifice young conscripts by the thousands. As a result an estimated 20 million Soviets (mostly males) lost their lives.

That, and Alexander The Great at the battle of Gaugamela, where he defeated the largest Persian army, on a plain, with his battle hardendend Macedonians. Even when outnumbered, and facing shock tactics (such as a Scythed chariot charge, right in the beggening of the battle), the skilled Macedonians went on to rout Darius' forces. Even though Darius managed to flee the battle, Alexander captured his family. So the battle of Gaugamela is seen as the turning point in Alexanders' war on Persia.

PS there is a monument at Thermopolae to the dead Spartans, to this day.
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