Battle of Thermopylae

480 BCE · Thermopylae, Yunanistan · war

The Battle of Thermopylae was fought during the Greco-Persian Wars between the large Persian army under King Xerxes and a numerically inferior Greek force led by Sparta in the narrow pass of Thermopylae.

The Greeks held out for days in the constricted terrain; in the end they were surrounded and suffered heavy losses. The engagement, which ended in a Persian victory, became legendary in the ancient world for the resistance shown by the small band of defenders and came to symbolize self-sacrifice.

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Frequently asked questions

What was Battle of Thermopylae?
The Battle of Thermopylae was fought during the Greco-Persian Wars between the large Persian army under King Xerxes and a numerically inferior Greek force led by Sparta in the narrow pass of Thermopylae.
When did Battle of Thermopylae happen?
480 BCE
Where did Battle of Thermopylae take place?
Thermopylae, Yunanistan