Leonidas I

Biography

A king of the Greek city-state of Sparta, and the 17th of the Agiad line, a dynasty which claimed descent from the mythological demigod Heracles. He is best known for his leadership at the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persian army.

Legacy

Leonidas's last stand with 300 Spartans against a vastly superior Persian force has become a legendary symbol of courage against overwhelming odds, inspiring countless stories and works of art throughout history.