The Battle of Thermopylae began in 480 BC and was the product of the Greeks' attempt to help defend the Ionians against the Persians. This angered the Persian Emperor Xerxes, as he viewed Greece as a small kingdom that had no room to revolt against the Persian Empire. The Athenians sympathized with the Ionians because the Persians had also attempted to invade Greece several times. The Athenians provided little aid to the Ionians, and in retaliation the Persians struck Athens (23B). Xerxes was known for his irrational character and may have viewed his invasion as retaliation for the fact that his father, Darius the Great, had been defeated at the Battle of Marathon against the Greeks. His temper was so angry that at Hellas Point he had the water whipped because it did not obey him (E49). One of the many Greek warlords participating in the Battle of Thermopylae was Leonidas, the second son of King Anaxandridas. It was only when his half-brother was killed in controversial circumstances that Leonidas rose to power (G72). Aside from the misconceptions spread by the popular film "300", the three hundred Spartans did not go into battle alone and were accompanied by more than eight hundred allies. Nevertheless, the Persians still outnumbered the Greeks ten to one, which is why it is incredible that the Greeks were able to hold them off for three days before finally losing this specific battle. Despite losing the battle in terms of soldiers and defense of Greece, the Battle of Thermopylae was somewhat successful in that it was a demonstration of Greek soldiers' courage, impressive battle tactics and ultimately delayed the invasion of Greece, which helped win the war. .There were many great leaders on both sides of the battle...... middle of paper ......the Battle of Thermopylae as an example of the power of a patriotic army defending home soil. The performance of the defenders at the Battle of Thermopylae is also used as an example of the benefits of training, equipment and good use of terrain as force multipliers and has become a symbol of courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Thermopylae's fame is therefore primarily derived, not from its effect on the outcome of the war, but from the inspiring example it set. Thermopylae is famous for the heroism of the doomed rearguard, who, despite certain death, remained at the pass. Since then, the events at Thermopylae have been the source of enthusiastic praise from many sources; for example "...the most beautiful sister victories the Sun has ever seen, but they would never dare compare their combined glory with the glorious defeat of King Leonidas and his men"..