Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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People File • Historical

King Leonidas

King Leonidas was a king of Sparta in ancient Greece, best known for leading Greek forces at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

King Leonidas was the Spartan king who led the famous stand at Thermopylae. His sacrifice became a lasting symbol of courage against overwhelming odds.

Who he was

Leonidas I was a historical king of Sparta from the Agiad dynasty, ruling from about 488 to 480 BCE. He is identified by classical and modern sources as a real figure, not a legend.

What happened at Thermopylae

In 480 BCE, Leonidas led a small Greek force—including his famous 300 Spartans—against a massive Persian invasion. They held the narrow pass of Thermopylae for days before being surrounded and killed.

Why his legacy endures

Leonidas died in battle, and the Persians reportedly beheaded his corpse. Later, Sparta recovered his remains and honored them with a shrine. His stand became a timeless example of leadership and sacrifice.

In short

  • Leonidas was a real Spartan king, not a myth.
  • He led Greek forces at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE.
  • He and his men were killed after being surrounded.
  • His body was desecrated but later honoured by Sparta.
Canadian angle

Leonidas is widely studied in Canadian history and classics courses as a major figure of ancient Greek military history and a lasting symbol of leadership, sacrifice, and resistance.

Quick questions

Who was King Leonidas?
King Leonidas was a real king of Sparta in ancient Greece, best known for leading Greek forces at Thermopylae during the Persian Wars.
How did King Leonidas die?
He was killed in battle at Thermopylae in 480 BCE, along with most or all of the men who remained with him.
What is King Leonidas famous for?
He is famous for his stand at the Battle of Thermopylae against the invading Persian army, which became a classic example of resistance against overwhelming odds.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leonidas-king-of-Sparta
    Supports: Leonidas as king of Sparta, his death at Thermopylae, and his historical significance.
  2. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/leonidas
    Supports: Leonidas as king of Sparta, his role at Thermopylae, and reported treatment of his body.
  3. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/leonidas
    Supports: Leonidas as a real Spartan king, Thermopylae, and later recovery of his remains.
  4. Livius.org — https://www.livius.org/articles/person/leonidas/
    Supports: Leonidas as king of Sparta from the Agiad dynasty and killed in action at Thermopylae.