Information about the road, which allowed them to bypass the Thermopylae isthmus, created the possibility of closing the Greek army in a tick. From the Persian camp, the “Immortals” set out with Ephialtes as their guide. They were commanded by Hydarnes (sometimes called the Younger). At dawn, a column of Persian soldiers surprised the Phocians left to defend the path. After a short battle, the Phocians were pushed back to a nearby hill, and the “Immortals” marched swiftly toward the sea to attack the Greeks on the isthmus from behind.
