Leonidas I

Lore & Background

Leonidas was the second son of Anaxandridas II by his first wife, who was also his niece. His half-brother Cleomenes I became king after Anaxandridas died around 524 BC, while another half-brother, Dorieus, left Sparta in anger and was later killed in Sicily. Leonidas married Cleomenes's daughter, Gorgo, before coming to the throne in 490 BC. He was a full citizen at the time of the Battle of Sepeia against Argos (c. 494 BC) and when the Persians sought submission from Sparta in 492/491 BC. According to Plutarch, Leonidas once replied to a remark that he was not superior to others except as king by saying, 'But were I not better than you, I should not be king,' likely referring to his proven ability in Spartan training.

Reader's Guide

Leonidas I is significant primarily for his role in the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where he commanded a small Greek force—including 300 Spartan hoplites—against the invading Persian army under Xerxes I. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Greeks held the pass for several days, repelling frontal attacks and killing many enemy troops, including two of Xerxes's brothers. After a traitor revealed a mountain path, Leonidas dismissed most of the Greek army but remained with his Spartans, helots, Thebans, and Thespians. All were killed except the Thebans, who surrendered. Leonidas's body was mutilated by Xerxes's orders. His legacy includes a hero cult in Sparta that lasted into the 2nd century AD, with annual solemnities called Leonideia. A bronze statue erected at Thermopylae in 1955 bears the inscription 'ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ' ('Come and take them'). The selection of Leonidas to lead the coalition forces in 481 BC suggests his personal military capability was valued, as later the coalition preferred Athenian leadership over other Spartans.

Did You Know?

• Leonidas's name means 'descendant of Leon' or 'son of a lion'; he was named after his grandfather Leon of Sparta.
• He married Gorgo, daughter of his half-brother King Cleomenes I, before ascending the throne.
• The Oracle at Delphi gave a prophecy in hexameter verse before Leonidas marched to Thermopylae.
• A bronze statue of Leonidas was erected at Thermopylae in 1955 with the inscription 'ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ'.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Leonidas (Λεωνίδας) (c. 489 BC – 480 BC) was a king of Sparta, the seventeenth of the Agiad line." — Leonidas I "Marry a good man, and bear good children." — Leonidas I "Variant translation: Marry a good man, and have good children." — Leonidas I