Sparta


Sparta

 

Article Index:

Leonidas, king of Sparta

Leonidas ( literally “lion’s son”) was a king of Sparta, who was believed in mythology to be a descendant of Heracles, possessing much of the latter’s strength and bravery. The date of Leonidas’ birth is not known, although Paul Cartledge argues he must have been born around 540 BC. He is notable for his leadership at the Battle of Thermopylae.