King Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopyles …

 

In 480 B.C. , the Battle of Thermopyles was fought. This was the second Persian invasion, after their loss in Marathon. A Greek force of 7,000 men were at a disadvantage from the start battling against a Persian army said to number over 100,000. Although outnumbered, the Greeks held off the Persians until a local resident betrayed the Greek army by revealing a path that led behind the Greek lines.

DSC_0017 This battle is recognized as one of history's famous last stands. During the few days of battle King Leonidas of Sparta was aware his force was outflanked, yet they held their ground against overwhelming odds.

Both ancient and modern writers have used the Battle of Thermopylae as an example of the power of a patriotic army defending their land.

The Battle of Thermopyles is the basis of many movies, including 300 Spartans and, more recently, 300. Declining in numbers, and losing ground on several different fronts, the Persians ask King Leonidas and his army to give up their arms. Standing their ground, it is said King Leonidas responded by stating the familiar words to “come and get them”!

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