Description
In 480 BC, during the Battle of Thermopylae, a coalition of Greek city-states faced the invading Persian army at the narrow pass of Thermopylae. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Greeks mounted one of history's most renowned last stands. Persian King Xerxes commanded an army exceeding 100,000 soldiers, initially estimated at around 170,000, and confronted a small Greek force consisting of 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians, and 400 Thebans.
For ten days, Xerxes waited for King Leonidas to surrender or retreat, but upon receiving no compliance, he launched an attack. The Greeks valiantly held their ground for three days, but eventually, all were slain. The unexpected defeat of the Spartans was precipitated by the betrayal of a local shepherd named Ephialtes, who informed Xerxes of a less-guarded path through Thermopylae, allowing the Persians to outflank the Greek forces.