Key Points

- Battle between the 300 defending Spartans with their King Leonidas against the invading several hundred strong Persian forces of Xeres I that has gained mythical status.  

Brief Bio

The Battle of Thermopylae, fought in 480 BC, saw a small Greek force, primarily composed of 300 Spartans, attempt to hold off a massive Persian army led by King Xerxes I. Despite their valiant efforts, and after inflicting massive casualities on the Persian army, the Greeks were eventually defeated after being outflanked due to a traitor revealing a secret path. 

While a tactical loss for the Greeks, the battle became a symbol of courage and sacrifice, inspiring later Greek resistance and ultimately contributing to the Greek victory in the Greco-Persian Wars.