Who is leonidas in greek mythology

Most of us know who King Leonidas I is because of the role he played in the ancient battle at Thermopylae, where brave Spartans fought the Persians to the death. Although this battle resulted in a Persian victory, the delay they faced at the pass at Thermopylae allowed the Athenians to ready their army and navy. The Battle of Salamis ended with a clear Athenian victory and shortly after that, the Persians left Greece and never came back.

By that time, however, King Leonidas had already sacrificed his life for the cause and although he never lived to see a Greek victory during the Second Persian Invasion, his legacy still lives on.

King Leonids the I was born in BC. Although his father ultimately had two wives, it was the first wife who gave Leonidas life. In that culture, this meant that he not only learned about important academic subjects, but he also began training as a warrior from the age of seven, as was the custom for Spartan males. Also, in order to qualify for Spartan citizenship, he needed to successfully complete his studies. This schooling helped shape the kind of ruler he would become.

His older brother was groomed to take over. Still, Leonidas agreed to lead Greek troops against the Persians. The Spartans were joined by a few thousand soldiers from other Greek city-states. For two days, they held the Persians off at the Thermopylae pass.

However, a traitor told Xerxes I about a hidden mountain path. It took his troops behind Greek lines. Leonidas ordered most of the Greek forces to pull back. Only the Spartans, as well as soldiers from Thespiae and Thebes , remained. In the end, Leonidas and all of his troops were defeated.

The Persians continued into Greece. However, they left the peninsula after losing in battle to the Athens navy. Leonidas became legendary all over Greece. His story is still told today in books and movies. Do you know stories about any other great historical warriors? Take some time today to read the stories of Alexander the Great , Amanirenas , or Pheidippides. History is full of interesting people to learn about!

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What was the Battle of Thermopylae? Wonder What's Next? Try It Out Ready to keep learning? Find an adult who can help you with the activities below! He was a brilliant strategist and a powerful warrior. His spartan training and godly heritage made him a great hero. As he grew up Leonidas went through the extreme and brutal Spartan training. At BC he is a powerful war veteran and the ruler of sparta. When the Persan king Xerxes mobilized his whole army against Athens, the city state made an out a call to all of Greece to stand up in arms and fight.

Being refused the assistance, Leonidas was the only one willing to help them in the coming invasion. He then consulted the oracle of Delphi which gave him a prophecy. Leonidas being a son of Hercules understood his call and so began his mission. He believes his sacrifice will save not only Sparta but all of Greece. But the city's elders weren't doubted of his capacities so they only allowed him to take a small force. He picked of his best soilders and only one who has childrend of his own.

He then marched his forces to Thermopylae to meets up with some thousands of free greeks, which then summed up his army to a total of man.