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Leonidas I

Type Figure Region Sparta Time c. -540–-480 Also known as Leonidas

Leonidas I was a king of Sparta, born around 540 BCE and killed at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE.…

Timeline

  1. c. -540–-490Sparta · LaconiaBorn of the Agiad royal house, he received Sparta's harsh military education. He inherited the throne after the son of his brother Cleomenes I was deposed, becoming one of Sparta's two kings and assuming command responsibilities.
  2. -480Thermopylae · Central GreeceHe led three hundred Spartan warriors and about seven thousand Greek allies in holding the pass at Thermopylae against Xerxes' army. After holding out for several days, a mountain path was turned, and the entire force was killed, including Leonidas himself.

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