Comparing Battles of Thermopylae and Mojkovac: Defending Homeland and Allies in Different Times

“ Ὦ ξεῖν’, ἀγγέλλειν Λακεδαιμονίοις ὅτι τῇδε κείμεθα, τοῖς κείνων ῥήμασι πειθόμενοι", which means: "Stranger, tell Spartans that we lay here, staying faithful to Sparta’s laws."

The battles at Thermopylae and Mojkovac were fought in different contexts and under different circumstances. While both battles involved a smaller army facing a larger force, there are significant differences to consider.

The Battle of Thermopylae took place in 480 BC between the Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, and the Persian Empire, led by King Xerxes. The Greeks were defending their homeland from the invading Persian forces, and the narrow pass at Thermopylae provided a strategic advantage. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Greeks fought bravely, holding off the Persians for three days before ultimately being defeated. The battle is often celebrated as a symbol of Greek heroism and resistance against foreign invasion.

In contrast, the Battle of Mojkovac was fought during World War I between the Montenegrian Army, led by General Janko Vukotić, and the Austro-Hungarian Army, led by General Viktor Dankl. The Montenegrin forces aimed to secure passage of the Serbian Army to the Adriatic Sea. The battle lasted for several days, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, but ultimately the  Montenegrin forces repelled the enemy.

One key difference between the two battles is the motivation behind them. The Spartans at Thermopylae fought to defend their homeland and their fellow Greeks from the invading Persians. In contrast, the Montenegrins at Mojkovac were fighting to defend the Serbian Army and prevent the Austro-Hungarian Empire from gaining control of the Adriatic Sea. While both battles were fought to defend against foreign invaders, the Spartans defended their fellow Greeks, while the Montenegrins fought to support another army.

Another difference is the technology and warfare tactics used in each battle. The Battle of Thermopylae was fought with ancient weapons such as spears, swords, and shields, while the Battle of Mojkovac involved modern weaponry such as rifles, machine guns, and artillery. The tactics used by the two sides were similar in approach, with the Greeks at Thermopylae and Montenegrins at Mojkovac relying on their superior ethics, heroism, and discipline. 

In conclusion, while the Battle of Thermopylae and the Battle of Mojkovac involved smaller armies fighting against larger forces, they were fought under different contexts and with different motivations. The Spartans were defending their homeland and fellow Greeks from the Persian invasion. The Montenegrins were fighting to support the Serbian Army and prevent the Austro-Hungarian Empire from gaining control of the Adriatic Sea.

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DNA Analysis Reveals Shared Heritage Between Montenegrins and Greeks

Recent DNA analysis has revealed that Montenegrins share a common genetic heritage with the Greeks. With a limited sample, the study found that Montenegrin DNA is closely related to modern Greeks, particularly those from the southern regions of Greece, namely the Peloponnese.

The study found that the genetic makeup of Montenegrins is predominantly Mediterranean, with a significant proportion of the population sharing the same genetic markers as modern Greeks. This suggests that Montenegrins and Greeks share a common ancestry, dating back to the ancient Greek colonies and civilizations of the Mediterranean.

The genetic similarities between Montenegrins and the Greeks can be attributed to several factors, including historical migrations and intermarriage between the two populations. The Adriatic Sea has long been a significant trade and travel route, linking Montenegro with the Greek islands and mainland. This has led to a significant exchange of people, culture, and genetic material between the two regions.

In conclusion, DNA analysis has revealed that Montenegrins share a common genetic heritage with Greeks, reflecting the close cultural and historical ties between the two populations. This provides an interesting perspective on the relationship between Montenegro and Greece, highlighting the shared identity and heritage that unites these two nations.

Photo by Vasilis on Unsplash

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Montenegro-Greece Relations: A Complex History of Independence and Cooperation

Photo by Leonhard Niederwimmer on Unsplash

Montenegro and Greece have had a long and complex relationship throughout history. The two countries share a common cultural and religious heritage and are both predominantly Orthodox Christian nations. The relationship between Montenegro and Greece dates back to the Middle Ages when the Byzantine Empire existed.

During the Ottoman occupation of the Balkans, Montenegro managed to maintain its independence and remained free from Ottoman rule, while Greece was occupied by the Turks for several centuries. Montenegro's strategic location made it a target of Ottoman expansion, but the Montenegrin people managed to resist the Ottoman forces and maintain their independence.

Montenegro and Greece fought side by side in the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913, which led to the liberation of much of the Balkans from Ottoman rule. Montenegro and Greece were both part of the Balkan League, along with Serbia and Bulgaria, and together they defeated the Ottoman Empire and secured their independence.


After the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Montenegro became an independent state in 2006, while Greece is a member of the European Union. The relationship between the two countries has remained strong, with Greece being one of Montenegro's closest allies and supporters in the international community.

In summary, the relationship between Montenegro and Greece has been long and complex, with both countries sharing a common cultural and religious heritage. Montenegro's independence from the Ottoman Empire and its ability to maintain its freedom during a time when the Turks occupied much of the Balkans is a significant aspect of its history and a source of pride for the Montenegrin people. The relationship between Montenegro and Greece has been characterized by mutual support and cooperation, despite the challenges both countries have faced throughout history.

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