King Leonidas I, whose name meant “lion-like,” was king of Sparta between 488BC and 480BC. He is best known to history as the commander of the Spartan army at the Battle of Thermopylae during the Persian Wars. The story of his sacrifice has been an inspiration to generations and was recently brought to the big screen by Gerard Butler in the movie 300 which was based on a graphic novel of the same name by Frank Miller. Leonidas was born around 520BC to King Anaxandridas II, a descendant of Hercules. Anaxandridas had two wives, so Leonidas had a half-brother, Cleomenes I, in addition to his younger brother Cleombrotus I and his older brother Dorieus. Although Cleomenes succeeded Anaxandridas after his death because he was probably the firstborn of the four, he was the son of Anaxandridas’ second wife, so his claim to the throne was not entirely solid. The throne could have gone to Dorieus as Anaxandridas’ oldest son by his first marriage.
This tells me that he was very tough and he had a big family. He was powerful and bravely mighty like his dad who was also a king.
In Power 489–480 BC
Born c. 540 BC
In Sparta
Died 480 BC
In Thermopylae
ME AS LEONIDAS
I eat egg, steak & apples. I wear my armour & my religious beliefs are Greek Gods such as Zeus, Hades, Aries, Apollo, H
era & Athena. My daily activities are running , training & working out. As king I make or agree on new laws, make sure Sparta is safe, plan attacks & decide whether or not to kill someone. In 1 whole average day I eat, pray, train, get dressed & make love.