300 Spartans

This monument is located at Thermopylae in Greece. The Battle of Thermopylae was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta King Leonidas of Sparta, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes over a period of three days. A Greek force of approximately 7,000 men marched north to block the pass in the summer of 480 BC. The Persian army numbered between 100,000 and 150,000. The Greeks held off the Persians for seven days (including three of battle). During two full days of battle the small force led by Leonidas blocked the only road by which the massive Persian army could pass. After the second day of battle a local resident betrayed the Greeks by revealing a small path that led behind the Greek lines. Leonidas, aware that his force was being outflanked, dismissed the bulk of the Greek army and remained to guard the rear with 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians, and 400 Thebans, most of whom were killed.
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