King Leonidas was a prominent warrior king of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta. He is best known for his leadership during the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where he and a small force of Spartans and other Greek allies faced a much larger Persian army led by King Xerxes. Leonidas's bravery and tactical skills became legendary, symbolizing courage and sacrifice. Leonidas was born around 540 BC and belonged to the Agiad dynasty. His reign was marked by the ongoing conflict between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire. The story of his stand at Thermopylae has inspired countless works of art and literature, highlighting themes of heroism and the struggle for freedom.