The pass of Thermopylae, known for the historic battle in the fifth century BCE where the Persians were defeated by a united Greek force, has a fascinating etymology that can be easily understood. The prefix thermo- signifies “hot”, as seen in words like thermometer and thermostat. On the other hand, the suffix pylae, also found in the word pylon, is a Latin-derived form of the plural of the noun pyle, meaning “gate”, “pass”, or “entrance”. Therefore, combined, Thermopylae translates to “hot gates”, referring to the warm sulfur springs in the vicinity and its role as an entry point into Thessaly. In Greek mythology, it was believed to serve as the gateway to the underworld, adding a deeper layer of meaning to its name.
