LEONIDAS

Leonidas I was an ancient Greek king of Sparta, belonging to the Agiad dynasty. He was the son of King Anaxandridas II, who had four sons: Cleomenes, born to his second wife, and Dorieus, Leonidas, and Cleombrotus, born to his first wife. Leonidas was believed to be a descendant of Heracles, the legendary Greek hero. He is best known for his courage and leadership during the Battle of Thermopylae, where he led the Spartan forces against the Persian army.