Leonidas I (540–480 BCE)

Question 1

Who was Leonidas I?

Answer 1

Leonidas I was a king of Sparta, best known for his role in the Battle of Thermopylae.

Question 2

When did Leonidas I live?

Answer 2

Leonidas I was born around 540 BCE and died in 480 BCE.

Question 3

Who were Leonidas’ parents?

Answer 3

Leonidas was the son of King Anaxandridas II of Sparta.

Question 4

What dynasty did Leonidas belong to?

Answer 4

Leonidas belonged to the Agiad dynasty, one of Sparta’s royal families.

Question 5

How did Leonidas become king?

Answer 5

Leonidas became king after the death of his older brother, King Cleomenes I.

Question 6

What training did Leonidas undergo as a young Spartan?

Answer 6

Leonidas likely underwent the agoge, the Spartan military and survival training program.

Question 7

What battle is Leonidas most famous for?

Answer 7

Leonidas is most famous for his role in the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE.

Question 8

How many Spartan soldiers fought with Leonidas at Thermopylae?

Answer 8

Leonidas led 300 Spartan soldiers in the Battle of Thermopylae.

Question 9

What Persian king did Leonidas face at Thermopylae?

Answer 9

Leonidas faced King Xerxes I of Persia at the Battle of Thermopylae.

Question 10

Why is the Battle of Thermopylae considered significant?

Answer 10

The battle became a symbol of courage and sacrifice despite overwhelming odds, inspiring Greek resistance.

Question 11

What was the primary role of a Spartan king?

Answer 11

A Spartan king’s primary role was to lead in war and uphold Spartan laws.

Question 12

How did Leonidas’ actions at Thermopylae impact future Greek battles?

Answer 12

His stand delayed the Persians and helped inspire later Greek victories, such as at Salamis and Plataea.

Question 13

How did Leonidas influence the concept of leadership?

Answer 13

Leonidas’ sacrifice at Thermopylae became a symbol of selflessness and duty, influencing future ideas of leadership.

Question 14

What monument honors Leonidas today?

Answer 14

A statue of Leonidas stands at Thermopylae to honor his legacy.

Question 15

What popular film dramatized Leonidas’ actions at Thermopylae?

Answer 15

The film ‘300’ dramatized Leonidas’ stand at the Battle of Thermopylae.

Question 16

What famous phrase did Leonidas reportedly say to Xerxes’ demand for surrender?

Answer 16

Leonidas reportedly said ‘Molon Labe,’ meaning ‘Come and take them!’ in response to Xerxes’ demand.

Question 17

What type of environment did Leonidas grow up in?

Answer 17

Leonidas grew up in a highly militaristic Spartan society focused on discipline and warfare.

Question 18

What were the Persian Wars?

Answer 18

The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire from 499–449 BCE.

Question 19

Why is Leonidas considered a hero?

Answer 19

Leonidas is considered a hero for his leadership and sacrifice at Thermopylae, which became a symbol of courage.

Question 20

What is a lesser-known fact about Leonidas’ age during the Battle of Thermopylae?

Answer 20

Leonidas was about 60 years old during the Battle of Thermopylae, considered old for a Spartan warrior.

Question 21

Which military training program did young Spartans like Leonidas complete?

Answer 21

Young Spartans, including Leonidas, completed the agoge military training program.

Question 22

Which two key Greek city-states allied during the Persian Wars?

Answer 22

Athens and Sparta allied during the Persian Wars to resist the Persian invasion.

Question 23

How did Leonidas’ death affect Greek morale?

Answer 23

Leonidas’ death became a rallying point for Greek unity and resistance against Persia.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Leonidas was the king of the Greek city-state of _____.

Answer 24

Sparta.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Leonidas led the Spartan forces at the Battle of _____ in 480 BCE.

Answer 25

Thermopylae.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: The Spartan saying ‘Come back with your shield, or on it’ means _____.

Answer 26

Spartans were expected to either win or die in battle, never surrender.