Battle of Thermopylae

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Thermopylae?

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Battle of Thermopylae

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A pivotal 480 BC battle showcasing Greek defense against the massive Persian invasion.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Thermopylae () was fought in 480 BC at Thermopylae between the Achaemenid Persian Empire under Xerxes and an alliance of Greek city-states led by Sparta under Leonidas I. Lasting over the course of three days, it was one of the most prominent battles of both the second Persian invasion of Greece and the wider Greco-Persian Wars.‎ The engagement occurred simultaneously with the naval Battle of Artemisium: between July and September during 480 BC. The second Persian invasion under Xerxes was a delayed response to the failure of the first Persian invasion, which had been initiated by Darius I and ended in 490 BC by an Athenian-led Greek victory at the Battle of Marathon. By 480 BC, a decade after the Persian defeat at Marathon, Xerxes had amassed a massive land and naval force, and subsequently set out to conquer all of Greece. In response, the Athenian politician and general Themistocles proposed that the allied Greeks block the advance of the Persian army at the pass of Thermopylae while simultaneously blocking the Persian navy at the Straits of Artemisium. Around the start of the invasion, a Greek force of approximately 7,000 men – including an estimated 300 Spartans – led by Leonidas marched north to block the pass of Thermopylae.

Career & Major Achievements

Ancient authors vastly inflated the size of the Persian army, with estimates in the millions, but modern scholars estimate it at between 120,000 and 300,000 soldiers. They arrived at Thermopylae by late August or early September; the outnumbered Greeks held them off for seven days (including three of direct battle) before their rear-guard was annihilated in one of the most famous last stands in history. During two full days of battle, the Greeks blocked the only road by which the massive Persian army could traverse the narrow pass. After the second day, a local resident named Ephialtes revealed to the Persians the existence of a path leading behind the Greek lines. Subsequently, Leonidas, aware that his force was being outflanked by the Persians, dismissed the bulk of the Greek army and remained to guard their retreat along with 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

It has been reported that others also remained, including up to 900 helots and 400 Thebans. With the exception of the Thebans, most of whom reportedly surrendered, the Greeks fought the Persians to the death. Themistocles was in command of the Greek naval force at Artemisium when he received news that the Persians had taken the pass at Thermopylae. Since the Greek defensive strategy had required both Thermopylae and Artemisium to be held, the decision was made to withdraw to the island of Salamis. The Persians overran Boeotia and then captured the evacuated city of Athens.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Thermopylae

True or False: “The Battle of Thermopylae was fought during the same period as the naval engagement at Artemisium.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The Wikipedia extract notes that the engagement occurred simultaneously with the naval Battle of Artemisium, which took place between July and September in 480 BC.

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