Leonidas I was a king of Sparta who is best known for his heroic stand against the Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Leading a small force of just 300 Spartans, he and his men fought valiantly against a much larger Persian force led by King Xerxes. Their bravery became a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite being ultimately defeated, Leonidas and his warriors' actions inspired the Greek city-states to unite against the Persian threat. His legacy lives on as a symbol of heroism, and he is often remembered for his famous last stand and the phrase "Molon Labe," meaning "Come and take them."