Leonidas, Leonidas II 

Introduction

King Leonidas was king of Sparta in ancient Greece during the Second Persian War, when Xerxes, son of King Darius of Persia, attacked the Greek city-states with an army of over 200,000 troops. Leonidas was killed during the epic battle of Thermopylae, where he led little more than 7,000 soldiers and held back the Perisan army in a narrow pass for three days, allowing the Greeks time to fully mobilize.

In 480 BC, Xerxes (son of Darius, King of Persia) launched an invasion against the Greek city-states.

King Leonidas of Sparta marched with approximately 7,000 troops to Thermopylae on the north coast of Greece. Thermopylae was the best of three possible defensive areas in which Xerxes' invading army had to advance. This mountain gap along the coast was about 60 feet wide, and was the best location for a blocking action.

For two days Leonidas withstood Persian attacks; he then ordered most of his troops to retreat, and he and his 300-member royal guard fought to the last man. This episode made a deep impression on the Greek imagination and gave rise to the legend that Spartans never surrendered.

When Leonidas was preparing to make his stand, a Persian envoy arrived. The envoy explained to Leonidas the futility of trying to resist the advance of the huge Persian army.

"Our archers are so numerous," said the envoy, "that the flight of their arrows darkens the sun."

"So much the better," replied Leonidas, "for we shall fight them in the shade."

leonidas.htm / December 19, 2000