the Battle of Thermopylae

The Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC was a famous conflict during the Greco-Persian Wars, where a small Greek force led by King Leonidas of Sparta defended a narrow mountain pass against a much larger Persian army. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Greeks used the terrain to their advantage, holding the Persians for three days. Ultimately, they were betrayed and outflanked, leading to their defeat. The stand became a symbol of courage and sacrifice, inspiring subsequent Greek resistance and emphasizing the importance of strategic defense against overwhelming odds.