Death of Leonidas

A Greek traitor named Ephialtes showed the Persians a secret mountain path around Thermopylae. When Leonidas learned he was surrounded, he sent most allies away but kept the 300 Spartans to fight to the death. They fought until their spears and swords broke, then used hands and teeth. All 300 died, including Leonidas. Later, a monument was raised: "Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here obedient to their laws we lie."