What did Leonidas say before the Battle of Thermopylae?

5 days ago
Battle of Thermopylae, (480 bce), battle in central Greece at the mountain pass of Thermopylae during the Persian Wars. The Greek forces, mostly Spartan, were led by Leonidas. Leonidas famously replied, “Come and take them” (“Molon labe”). Xerxes intended to do just that and thus moved toward Thermopylae.

Why did Leonidas only take 300?

Herodotus tells us that Leonidas, in line with the prophecy, was convinced he was going to certain death since his forces were not adequate for a victory, and so he selected only Spartans with living sons.

What was behind Leonidas decision to fight to the end?

Although there has been much speculation around this decision, most historians agree that Leonidas decided to sacrifice himself and his men in order to give enough time for the rest of the army to flee. The Greeks died at the battle of Thermopylae. And the delay of battle also achieved what Leonides had hoped it would.

What did Leonidas say before he died?

King Leonidas : Children, gather round! No retreat, no surrender; that is Spartan law. And by Spartan law we will stand and fight… and die.

Did Leonidas say this is Sparta?

King Leonidas: Give Them Nothing… But take from Them Everything! King Leonidas: Give them nothing! But take from them everything! King Leonidas: This is Sparta!

Why did they only send 300 Spartans?

They didn’t believe the Persians to be a large enough threat to send the entire army of about 6,000. Instead, they believed that 300 Spartans were elite enough to hold the pass. And they were, until a Greek betrayed Leonidas and told the Persians about a secret pass he could use to surround Leonidas.

How did Leonidas impact history?

Leonidas had a notable participation in the Second Persian War, where he led the allied Greek forces to a last stand at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC) while attempting to defend the pass from the invading Persian army; he died at the battle and entered myth as the leader of the 300 Spartans.

What was Leonidas last words?

Spartan King Leonidas : [his last lines] My Queen! My wife. My love… King Leonidas : You have many slaves, Xerxes, but few warriors.

What did Demophilus do at the Battle of Thermopylae?

Demophilus (Greek: Δημόφιλος Demophilos), according to Herodotus, was the commander of a contingent of 700 Thespians at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC). His father was Diadromes (Διαδρόμης). Demophilus and his men fought at the battle and at the end they stood along with the 300 Spartans at the last stand, all were killed.

Who is Demophilus of Thespiae?

Demophilus of Thespiae. Demophilus (Greek: Δημόφιλος Demophilos), according to Herodotus, was the commander of a contingent of 700 Thespians at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC). His father was Diadromes (Διαδρόμης).

What happened to the city of Thespia after the Battle of Thermopylae?

After the Battle of Thermopylae, the Persian army burned down the city of Thespiae. The citizens had fled to the Peloponnese. Later, the Thespians fought against the Persian army at the Battle of Plataea (479 BC).

Who played Demophilus in the 300 Spartans?

In the 1962 movie The 300 Spartans, Demophilus was portrayed by the Greek actor Yorgos (George) Moutsios. In Thermopylae there is a monument, next to the monument of Leonidas, in memory of him and his men. There is also a monument to Demophilus in the modern Thespies.