Leonidas of Sparta: Warrior king of the Greek city-state of Sparta

The real life exploits of Leonidas of Sparta and his 300 warriors at Thermoplyae have given rise to the myth of the Spartan superhero - the supremely disciplined man of few words who had a body of steel, could endure any hardship and would fight to his last breath. Such men really did exist and chief among them was Leonidas, the Spartan king who defied the might of Persia, saving Greece from annihilation. In this week’s Biographics we discover the real life Leonidas.
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Credits:
Host - Simon Whistler
Author - Steve Theunissen
Producer - Jack Cole
Executive Producer - Shell Harris
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Other Biographics Videos:
Bruce Lee: A Life Taken Too Soon
• Bruce Lee: A Life Take...
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• Andre the Giant: The G...

[@Biographics]

Hello everyone. We've been experimenting with a bit of a podcast (a few people were asking for audio versions so they can get Biographics while doing other things)! Fair warning: none of these are new biographies, but rather me having a bit more of a free form chat around the script. I'd love to know what you think, if these are useful, wanted etc :). Thanks, Simon. Links: iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/biographics-history-one-life-at-a-time/id1450405839?mt=2 Sitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/biographics-history-one-life-at-a-time Website: biographics.blubrry.net/ RSS: biographics.blubrry.net/feed/podcast/ Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/6N9PS4QXF1D0OWPk0Sxtb4 Trolled people: open.spotify.com/show/0JzjzwJcRqFZ3BcACtahh8?si=MG5HSm1oT0GTNm_r8_HQcg

[@badaihnmanson7757]

Full of inaccuracies and outright mistakes. For instance, in this video you are talking about a phalanx, but are describing a much later roman tactic - the tetsodu.

[@mr.j1104]

Keep up the great work.

[@NoobNoob-ss5hs]

What's up with the roman pictures?

[@narwhql2140]

@@badaihnmanson7757 testudo*

[@narwhql2140]

the spartans were on a religious festivals and they did not want to anger their gods.

[@Undechypheredcrab]

Hearing that Leonidas' troops jumped on his corpse and guarding him with their lives got me real emotional for some reason.

[@HDA_III]

Schwa El you must be Athenian

[@IconProduction01]

Pfffft, Pansy.... Nah jk, that was super badass for his men to do that. Back in the day there was no such thing as surrender or becoming a POW. Instead, you knew that you had to fight until you simply won or died, period.

[@jimisnasnas3122]

You must be greek!

[@jimisnasnas3122]

@@IconProduction01 the acient greeks sed die on your sheild or run away

[@oopus4]

@@IconProduction01 There was a such a thing called surrender tho...

[@marvinschwartz9159]

When you are such a badass hero that they make a film about your heroics and everyone thinks it‘s fake because it is way too over-heroic lol

[@joesubel]

And some of it was actually historically accurate. Damn.

[@marvinverheul4023]

The movie 300 is based on a comic by Zack Snyder........the movie is not historical accurate, but badass indeed.

[@haztetv7226]

@@marvinverheul4023 which is based on the real deal is it not? from hearing all this and remembering the movie, what was much diffrent story wise?

[@Marcus-zg4io]

Hazte TV Herodotus reported there was roughly 5-10,000 other Greek forces with Leonidas at Thermopylae from other city-states along with the 300 Spartans. When Leonidas released the other forces on the 3rd day he made the roughly 900 Helots (Spartan slaves) stay with him and his men to fight. Along with roughly 700 Thespians and Thebans stayed as well. All fighting with the Spartans to the last.

[@haztetv7226]

@@Marcus-zg4io thank you, still makes me very proud of my greek blood

[@ulisesbarbosajr6930]

Leonidas was a real badass. He lives 2000 years later. Legends never die

[@JonLondrezos]

Make that 2500 years

[@vicjr.1813]

Fucking Legend

[@crysissouls]

Well, you’re not lying. He does live currently today 😉

[@siantopablo9149]

@@JonLondrezos ok

[@arthurcrown6579]

indeed my friend :)

[@viper3162]

Fun fact. It's the 2500 anniversary year of this incredible battle. Those Spartans are the true immortals.

[@stormysampson1257]

Too bad their way of life didn't protect them from disappearing into history. Not so immortal at all. Grins. I love that period of time and am learning way more than I thought by delving into what little history is available. The Spartans were a great experiment of primitive humankind. Pushed the boundaries of mankind and survival. Their civilization only lasted 100 years! Very colorful, powerful, beautiful people who were so into being the badest-ass warring people that they would leave babies to die that they deemed not worthy...on some hillside or beach. This shows how primitive they were that they would bury empathy in exchange for getting rid of losers and belonging to a society, who were always the winners until they lost.

[@saeedvazirian]

Nah, Persians are immortals. I know you watch too much 300 nonsense, but those Persians earned the title of Immortals as is their resolve and their culture. I'm saying this as a Greek. Plus, don't be hypocritical, you'd live in the Persian Empire in a heartbeat and consider spartans as a cult if you were there, lmfao

[@fightnight6385]

@@saeedvazirian don’t mean there any less badass lol

[@stormysampson1257]

@Alkis Lyckos Everyone in Sparta could have used a tube of neosporin.

[@stormysampson1257]

@Alkis Lyckos My goodness, Alkis. I don't deserve this TONE of yours. Very childlike. Have a better day.

[@Gojira_Sama]

The fact that they guarded his body and took it back multiple times gives me goosebumps. These men were among the bravest to ever live.

[@kevinmurphy4595]

They fought over his body for literally HOURS!.....Leonidas had fallen early that morning after slaying two Persian commanders back in hand to hand combat. When he fell, FOUR times, the Persians grabbed Leonidas body, and FOUR times the Spartans grabbed it and then dragged it back until finally securing it, only to fall under a rain of arrows a couple of hours later when the Persian commander deciding not to risk any more men in hand to hand combat against the Spartans finished them with arrows. Cheers

[@vicjr.1813]

Matthew Colon because that's how loyalty and bravery are. When your king rallies with you side by side and are very much willing to die for the same reason he sent you, then you would swear unwavering loyalty to him, in this life and the next. It was a testament of true courage and love for their country and their king.

[@antoniofuller2331]

True

[@calebstephan2083]

They use to literally worship the embodiment of war, ares so these warriors were bred different. Men were trained from birth and if they were not fit to fight they were sent to die in the mountains.

[@Hottytoddy-nl3fy]

These dudes were total Bamf’s (badazz, mother fuckerz)

[@sgauden02]

Fun fact: King Leonidas was 60 years old at the time of the Battle Of Thermopylae, but he still fought alongside his men on the frontlines, and was still in great shape. That lifetime of Spartan training probably had something to do with that.

[@J_Braz_]

No McDonald's. No coca cola. Good food and clean air can do wonders. I wouldn't know being born in America. The land of pollution and corruption.

[@iamepic6726]

@@J_Braz_ except you do know clean air. The US isn't even in the top 50 of the most polluted countries. We're 84 actually. And you have plenty of options for good food.

[@J_Braz_]

@@iamepic6726 there were no cars and factories back in those days though. America may be better than other countries, but that's not not really saying very much. It's like picking poisons. Even the weakest one isn't so good for us.

[@benlewis5312]

@@J_Braz_ Mate, the average life expectancy in ancient Greece was less than 30. Malnutrition was common and plague spread rampantly. Modern Americans are far healthier than ancient Spartans and comparing the two is laughable. Leonidas was an exception because he was massively wealthy and could afford nutrition and hygiene, not because of Sparta's "good food and clean air". The average Spartan ate spoiled food and rarely bathed

[@CSAcrazy]

J Braz is a victim of liberal indoctrination. Not pollution or corruption. Doesn’t realize that he is infinitely more healthy and well off than the average ancient Grecian because politicians and celebrities have convinced him he lives in the worst country during the worst times when in reality he has the privilege to experience the greatest time period so far in top 5 country in terms of opportunity, freedom and access to the option of good health. These people are delusional

[@HalJordan0]

He died like a man and refused to live like a coward. His legacy will be remembered forever

[@stormysampson1257]

Yeah, well, this "die like a man not a coward" is a very primitive way to think, Seth. The people who thought like that died EARLY. Not smart at all.

[@ficasotab869]

@@stormysampson1257 would it be smart at all if same conditions and situations came your way? Will u give your life for freedom? Better yet, for your own freedom?

[@stormysampson1257]

@@ficasotab869 Oh for pity sake, Federico. If there is a way to avoid dying, I'll take it. To live to fight another day. I am a scrappy military brat, not some coddled person. I know how to shoot and fight, thank you very much.

[@suda_lifts]

@@stormysampson1257 what ever you say stormy Sampson. These are different times. The image of “being a man” has very much changed. And I wouldn’t even call the Spartans primitive

[@HalJordan0]

@@stormysampson1257 Your channel name says otherwise. It makes people know that you most likely sleep until noon every day, don't have a job and still live rent free in your parents basement at 35

[@kohffeee]

why do I feel patriotism to a city-state i was never been born to.

[@thepassionateindividual3212]

mynameisKai Maybe you wish you were born into it, respect the values

[@michaelangelo7431]

Alakanuk Rusty Correct

[@Coys319]

Alakanuk Rusty yeah, as long as you aren’t a kid with issues then you’re thrown off a cliff.

[@jdog7797]

Because that's the human condition... To idolize.

[@jdog7797]

@EmperorJuliusCaesar *Hail Ceasar!* *🤘😑🤘*

[@Yoder023]

He killed fully armoured enemies with his hands after his spear and sword shattered. No one will ever be that legendary again. That isn't even in video games!

[@__Insanity_]

@Ben O'Neill You're not true

[@joshplatojohn12345hsbs]

Insanity you got him there

[@dirkdiggler5581]

And he was 60 years old.. he had a badass live and ended it probably as the biggest badass ever

[@EARTHASWINGS]

Its dramatized to make his story appear interesting and heroic🤣

[@cptjohnbhewler1529]

@@EARTHASWINGS It was heroic.

[@daves6503]

King Leonidas Of Sparta. Pretty Much the most badass dude to ever live.....

[@badaihnmanson7757]

And your sources are Hollywood and a very short memory?

[@saeedvazirian]

Nah, I'd give that to Ariobarzanes. Easily more badass and fought against stronger odds. He actually paralysed the hopes of Alexander from entering or even challenging Persian satrapies, keeping them free from Greek invasions. Now that's the true badass.

[@magictheo624]

@Bobby Knuckles maybe you asume that the mission was to kill every last one of them, which is really not the case.. They wanted to stall and weaken the persians so that the rest of the cities would have time to prepare. And it is not foolish since it worked. And i just want to also state that the rest of the 1000 spartans+thespieis+rest that stayed for the final fight were just as badass as leonidas

[@MrTrumpet]

Are you forgetting Skip Bayless?

[@TheLuismaBeaTle]

Bada Ihnmanson you’re now better than him

[@Forbiddensirenz]

Leonidas was the very definition of “Built different.”

[@pKerViKNG]

No retreat, no surrender THAT IS SPARTAN LAW! -King Leonidas

[@jerwwilliams]

"Never give up, never surrender." -Commander Peter Quincy Taggart

[@saeedvazirian]

you forgot the no living part either, they really stuck to that law.

[@Apple_Teck]

Also from the movie Galaxy Quest!

[@UnholyWrath3277]

In 99% of scenarios Spartans would be quite willing to retreat. They were trained to survive and win the war and that happens in war sometimes. Thermopylae was just a different sort of confrontation

[@TeddyboyRnR13]

Spartan mothers would tell their sons before they left for battle : Ή ΤΑΝ Η ΕΠΙ ΤΑΣ" ( E TAN E EPI TAS) which meant "you will either return holding your shield or on it" . Cowards were not tolerated in Spartan culture.

[@happygoluckey1037]

Hard to believe he was 60 years old in his last battle

[@whatthefuck9703]

Ac odyssey is his most accurate look

[@OZTutoh]

Wow, no way

[@taliawtf6944]

There is a saying about old men in a profession where men die young...

[@xdx2653]

yes he was.

[@V3RYG00DS1R]

I don't find it so hard to believe. 53 years of dedicated, pure devotion to physical growth and military prowess... he probably was as healthy as a paleo-obsessed 25 year old gym rat of these days.

[@SuperCrazyEstonian]

So his actual death was more epic than the movie? Damn! What a sight it must have been.

[@MetalSStar196]

When you factor in how much water he would have had to consume beforehand... yeah. "That Persian king, I hear he is weak at the sight of blood. Let's show him lots of blood- my blood."

[@themusicgaragetmg2330]

not pretty...

[@karma0253]

They didnt include that in the movie as it would be pretty gay seeing a group naked men jump onto another naked man

[@adamw3774]

This is obviously the exact reason. As we all know homosexuality is outlawed in cinema.

[@applesandgrapesfordinner4626]

@@adamw3774 Was

[@el-duderino975]

Xerxes: "We outnumber you 20 to 1!" 300 Spartans: *JoJo pose* "then it will be a fair fight!"

[@IC-23]

@EmperorJuliusCaesar Implying there were only 6,000 Persians if the Spartans were the only ones there. If you take the assumed number of ~7,000 Soldiers at Thermopylae (Spartans+misc) as fact that means there were ~140,000 Persians which falls in line into what scholars estimate was the Persian's army size; ergo the 20:1 ratio still stands.

[@tsimpera]

@EmperorJuliusCaesar ok dude. 18 to 1 then. You seem fun

[@Baddawg_313]

What is a "JoJo"?

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

Jojo rabbit jojo rabbit be the rabbit jojo

[@el-duderino975]

@@Baddawg_313 an anime/manga series

[@Apple_Teck]

If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything. May your glory live forever, honorable Spartans.

[@negan2714]

The Spartans were also the best in sarcasm and humor. The Athenians leader (cant remember the name) told them "if we win we will kill every man, women and child. We will spare no one." Spartans sent back one word "if".

[@conasi2]

There is a side note to this story. The leader who sent that threat was King Phillip , father of Alexander the Great. He had conquered all of Greece except Sparta and the reason he threatened Sparta with death was that he had sent another message before that one where he asks them, "How do you want me to enter Sparta? As an enemy or as a friend?" At which the Spartans replied, "Neither".

[@negan2714]

@@conasi2 I never heard that before. That's hilarious thank you for the backstory.

[@conasi2]

@@negan2714 read down the comment section with my name. I added a couple more stories you might enjoy.

[@mechadonia]

3rd century equivalent of replying to a paragraph text with “k”

[@kingschwag4208]

@@mechadonia hahaha

[@Saiyan_Goku]

Can you imagine being able to trace your bloodline to one of the 300 Spartans ? That would be hardcore

[@seth_.bh._9735]

Dragonball 777 i feel like this si a dumb question but is it even possible to trace you blood line that fare back

[@Bb-xq7gk]

@Carrier-Crow Where abouts are you from?

[@HDA_III]

Anyone with Greek roots probably have small traces of those descendants. This was over 2500 years ago, that’s 25 generations at the very leastX

[@jonathanmills524]

@ Dragonball 777 that would mean you were a mulatto or black and not pure white.

[@jonathanmills524]

@@Bb-xq7gk the part were the Greeks said there were no Africans in that part of the world before they got there and they never heard of the Minoans.

[@qwertyasdf8879]

More than 2500 years later and we are still talking about it.... This is the true meaning of "Being Immortal" 💯

[@mrfrosty3]

This makes me want to visit Greece again. I visited many of the famous historic sites, it is a strange feeling to walk around places you first heard of as a child from a teacher reading out the classic tales. It is a beautiful country.

[@chickenshieee]

Leonidas was the true embodiment of the male leader. He thought of his people and wife and children defenseless back in the city, and he fought with hands and teeth when his sword broke.

[@brandonpotts54]

"They will remember a few stood against many" gives me chills because here we are still talking about it today. I may be crazy but to have the chance for a good death and go out on your own terms is one of the most beautiful things ever.

[@victoriasantoro6692]

Greetings from Greece..I love the Heroes and History of my Country

[@themusicgaragetmg2330]

may Greece fix it's economy and put people of honour and not just fat cat politicians in power... They can turn things around.

[@savvageorge]

@@themusicgaragetmg2330 Hopefully one day another warrior-king will emerge to fight against the corruption.

[@versatyl911]

This has to be the greatest display of bravery in all of history. I’ll never get tired of hearing the great story of Leonidas and the Spartans

[@Boratio]

One of the bravest. Lookup Publius Decius Mus.

[@Pulchria24]

2 'Go tell the Spartans, traveller passing by, That here, obedient to their law, we lie' Memorial at Thermopylae.

[@Yetipfote]

That gave me goosebumps!

[@stavrospagounis4745]

Ω ΞΕΙΝ ΑΓΓΕΛΕΙΝ ΛΑΚΕΔΑΙΜΟΝΙΟΙΣ ΟΤΙ ΤΗΔΕ ΚΕΙΜΕΘΑ ΤΟΙΣ ΚΕΊΝΩΝ ΡΗΜΑΣΙ ΠΕΙΘΟΜΕΝΟΙ

[@matcuscorpez6452]

The group from Thesbes made the same decision to stay with the spartans knowing that this was certain death. You could tell each and every person had love for their respected state or their superiors who actually earned their roles through terrible hardships. Literally gives me chills just thinking about it

[@MasterNeoRNCP]

True embodiment of inspiration. They were truly inspired by Spartans......Such a morale...Reminds me of famous quote "It is better to live one day like a lion than 100 days like a lamb"

[@manofstambo7742]

I thought it was the Thespians and not the Thebans that stayed with Leonidas

[@Spartiatis38]

As a Greek, i think our civilization had offer many thing to humanity. From philosophy(Socrates), maths(Pythagoras), pharmacology (Ippokratis) and so many more...

[@sl9wdive]

True, ancient greek was way ahead of its time

[@DM-cd6jj]

@Tony 2 Toes Sumeria was one of the oldest civilization , Egypt was a great civilization begining 5000 years ago and they invented alot too and antient China. But when it comes to women antient Athens were like the Taliban if not worse since they believed that women where like half-men since they dont have a penis.

[@Yetipfote]

Also you gave us gyros pita 🥙

[@Spartiatis38]

​@Tony 2 Toes Who says that we were the only one who gave in humanity... Also China, Egypt, India, etc but you must admit that we deserve some respect because we are the smallest country in compare... This is the meaning that we proclame, in our history...THE FEW STOOD AGAINST MANY.....The few can change everything!

[@Baddawg_313]

Democracy

[@gagemead27]

"Surrender your weapons!" "You want them? COME AND GET THEM!"

[@matthewforbes2969]

"From the first breath to the last, he stood for Sparta......"

[@karannegi7190]

"Courageously he reigned beneath the stars, Victorious was the great Leonidas......."

[@bworl5]

"For a Spartan man, the greatest honour he can achieve - is to give his life in battle"

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Or to become the ' lover' of an older man . Probably explains why Geeks are so fascinated by everything Spartan .?

[@bigsouth010]

2msvalkyrie we get it. We know these brutish mighty warriors were into each other. We get they had major sword fights in the bedroom

[@MasterNeoRNCP]

Yes I have heard in Sparta they considered loosing your shield is more disrespectable than loosing ur life in the battle.

[@BoogieBubble]

@@2msvalkyrie529 Another b... urt nobody , with anchestors that nobody knows and remembers that is just saltier than the ocean. lul.

[@VMohdude-]

@@BoogieBubble you sound more butthurt tho

[@blakejohnson9730]

The Roman soldiers and colosseum got under my skin for some reason. I honestly would’ve preferred you put pictures of grape orchards

[@roryluukas2703]

Same I just commented too... actually really irked me and I can't understand exactly why lol!

[@grahamduggan8476]

Yeah that annoyed the crap out of me as well.

[@johnconiglio9278]

Always loved Greek culture and may have some Greek ancestors in my blood line. My grandfather's family came from Sicily.

[@alexbarianos5472]

The Greeks settled Sicily many Athenians lost there lives trying to take back Sicily.

[@cjones7424]

You do realise not only Greeks occupied Sicily, Sicily was sometimes controlled by external powers - Phoenician and Carthaginian, Roman, Vandal and Ostrogoth, Byzantine Greek, Islamic, Norman, Aragonese and Spanish

[@minhdo3482]

THIS IS .... BIOGRAPHICS!!!

[@russmarasheski7005]

😄😅😂🤣

[@vektor_z7208]

SJW screaming when it falling into the pit.

[@jjc5475]

why the roman soldiers though?

[@jimtheedcguy4313]

john pardon I was wondering the same thing my self lol. I guess he couldn't find any pictures of Persian soldiers

[@davidmouser596]

There are probably not as many re-enactment groups kitted as Greek soldiers (photos) but even the drawings are of Romans? I think this channel is just plain lazy.

[@jjc5475]

haha. maybe the video editor didn't know what he was doing. but the rest luckily does.

[@jjc5475]

i googled, plenty of stock images. www.google.nl/search?biw=1920&bih=974&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=QvQXW9qwJNLNwAKXiKjoBA&q=ancient+greek+soldiers+reenactors&oq=ancient+greek+soldiers+reenactors&gs_l=img.3...10104.12188.0.12346.10.10.0.0.0.0.47.411.10.10.0....0...1c.1.64.img..0.0.0....0.lzPb5irbCtA

[@maximaldinotrap]

To be fair talking about the tactics and showing Romans using those same tactics still paints a picture.

[@Hekkler72]

I spent tonight watching modern spec ops videos and this vid of a bunch of Spartans 1500 years ago is by far the most inspiring .

[@solomonkane6442]

You want to watch the battle of mirbat in Yemen 9 S.A.S soldiers against about 250 - 300 That was a great battle

[@ignitionfrn2223]

0:45 - Chapter 1 - Early years 5:50 - Chapter 2 - Becoming king 7:20 - Chapter 3 - The persian state 11:00 - Chapter 4 - Last stand at thermopylae 15:25 - Chapter 5 - Betrayal & death

[@ehrldawg]

I walked into a truckstop in Sparta Wisconsin and screamed; SPARTANS,PREPARE FOR GLORY !! The diesel clerk was amuzed.

[@neomimartinez]

ehrldawg I laughed so hard the dr I work for came in my office asking if I’ve gone crazy

[@octavioperales46]

ehrldawg whatever

[@michaelb1761]

Any recommendations for what I should say in Rome, Oregon?

[@GhettoGinny]

This is so fukkin phunny!!!

[@ivaylohristov7070]

You're a riot!!!

[@JimFortune]

Why all the shots of Rome and Roman soldiers?

[@mastertwitch1]

Probably due to lack of surviving imagery and iconography from Sparta

[@southernmoonlight8780]

My thoughts exactly.

[@omarshalaby4390]

he wanted to show an example of the phalanx formation.

[@cheeseontoastbrah]

You should probably write your local representative and let them know how you feel

[@lukastanojevic9625]

Mabey there isnt enough spartan ones?

[@high_on_nightmares]

I can't remember the last time I heard something so powerful. Ive seen 300 many times but hearing it like this is...wow. To think it was all true and it happened on our not so big planet 2500 years ago.

[@Duke00x]

He was also in his 60's when this happened.

[@1337fraggzb00N]

Leonidas:"What is your profession?" "I am a barista/DJ/singer/songwriter and also have a vegan food blog." Leonidas:"We are doomed."

[@zconstandinidis8613]

Haaaaaahaha I'm on the floor brah

[@HuStLeBuniiie]

He will hate this generation 🤣🤣

[@doctoruttley]

😂

[@Bastogne1944]

THIS IS A really informative video. Laconia is one my favorite city states in Ancient Greece purely because of their military sophistication. Great breakdown!

[@Biographics]

Nice.

[@Athanatos173]

They haven't changed much in 2500 years, the people there are still tough as nails

[@turtleman5111]

General G. S. Patton General, I was stationed in Greece, in USAF! This was YEARS ago. But, I had ALWAYS loved this story, so, I made it a point to visit Thermopolae. I have pics! The sea has receded about a mile, since then(480). They have neat pics on line now, of the place too!

[@daniilr.chaniotis8505]

Athanatos 173 you are talking about the Maniotes no?

[@autoloadable]

There are quite alot of inaccuracies in this video however, wouldn't use it for any schoolwork... (still like the channel though)

[@kevinmurphy4595]

The most amazing fact of all, imho, and something virtually all accounts omit was the fact that Leonidas was 62 years old at this time,!!!!!!!!! THAT is what is most incredible about this battle for me... .On that final day Leonidas knowing the Immortals were now behind, them told the Spartans to follow him and in a wedge shaped formation with Leonidas himself at the spear tip. They then waded into the Persian host taking fearful toll. By that 3rd day most of their spears were shattered so most had drawn their famous swords, the dreaded Xiphos. We know from Persian scribes that Leonidas himself then wrecked havoc killing several Persian commanders in succession in hand to hand combat before succumbing finally to an arrow. Deinkes, whose famous rejoinder to a Persian warrior telling him the Persians had so many archer their arrows would blot out the sun"then we shall fight in the shade:" was one of the Spartans who succeeded in dragging Leonidas body away from the Persians after Leonidas fell. 4 times the Persians succeeded in dragging Leonidas body away and times the Greeks dragged it back It was written that he slew both Xerxes "brother" and brother in law during that 3rd and final day. Truly amazing is history and the courage of men when properly trained and motivated

[@boota8881]

Yes, i remember when i first learnt of it. I was already blown away by the whole 300 story, i couldn't believe how fucken badass the whole thing was, it couldn't possibly get any more hectic then that its just rediculous. Then i found out his age and honestly almost fell of my chair..

[@packr72]

No Persian records of the battle survive intact most historians believe the Persians didn’t leave written records at all.

[@austinryan9382]

62 years old?!?! Wow!

[@NikkiRen]

Kevin Murphy 62? WOW!!! That IS amazing!!!

[@LadyVixenGames]

@@packr72 would you? i mean let's be real if your army got defeated that badly , woulden't you also try to destroy anything to hide it to not remove all moral within your nation/country. i mean from a stand point you'd think it's dumb not if a king did not like defeat esp when he had 100x the men and still pretty much lost. would cause everyone in your cities to likely riot and that would be bad when most your army is gone.

[@paulbaker1505]

This is the greatest war story ever told. SPARTANS. now that was a true army

[@donutz50]

Leonidas & his troops definitely deserves the Medal of Honor for this battle!

[@derkarevalo3050]

Nothing but praise to the the real man "Leonidas". One of the reasons why I love history. Trivia: Leonidas and Alexander The Great are related. (Even I was so amazed by the fact)

[@screwyou7716]

They are as related as i am(random athenian) to some great athenian 200 years ago. Leonidas as Spartan was of the Dorian tribe the same tribe as Macedonians . Both of them believed that they were descendants of Heracles the mythical hero of ancient Greece. Of course Heracles wasnt a real person at least not in the way he was portrayed. You can say that they had a common ancestory but saying that they are related as if Leonidas were his great great great gradfather for example is false.

[@caciquebahorucoregion3007]

The real Leonidas was actually a man from Haiti/Quisqueya in the bahoruco region his name was Enriquello......this is identity theft

[@grilledleeks6514]

@@caciquebahorucoregion3007 prove it

[@jesuschrist9513]

@@caciquebahorucoregion3007 um, no

[@boota8881]

@@screwyou7716 how come you say mythical? He could of been a real person.

[@anitarichmond8930]

I've heard it said, A coward dies a thousand deaths the brave man only one ... We Salute You. those that are Fearless 🏅

[@joshuasepeda3289]

I think it was Shakespeare who wrote that in one of his plays. I could be wrong though.

[@k.k8291]

The Spartans were the greatest badasses in all of history.

[@keshavnathoo1218]

i just want to say, "FOR SPARTAAAAA!!!"

[@Arcideeznuts]

This made me proud of being Greek and I’m Latino 😂

[@2msvalkyrie529]

There must be a parallel universe where that comment makes sense Let us know when you find it ?

[@rivvamob5426]

@@2msvalkyrie529 you just gotta read it twice

[@lisaatako3092]

🤣🤣😅😅

[@taliawtf6944]

The whole of the western world should be proud of the men who fought at the Hot Gates, that was the most important battle in western cultural history. It paved the way for the ideas of freedom and justice we have today so everyone who lives in the west should be thankful for their sacrifice.

[@saeedvazirian]

@@taliawtf6944 spoken like a real mental illness.

[@dustydarkhorse]

This is without a doubt my favorite yet. You did a great warrior justice.

[@phillipneighbarger9428]

Excellent! So much love for this story and how well you brought it to your viewers!!!

[@conasi2]

The Spartan Dienekes was told that the Persian archers were so numerous that when they shot their volleys, their arrows would blot out the sun. He responded, "So much the better, we'll fight in the shade"

[@jonvich3011]

conasi2 I’m reading gates of fire right now! That part was epic!

[@derekchesterton5645]

I must say, I've watched a lot of Biographics episodes but this got me in my feels.😭😭 I'm naming my son Leonidas💪😤💪

[@buckrogers7115]

Derek Chesterton i did name my son Leonidas

[@michaelridgeway915]

Hopefully he doesn’t kick someone off the slide

[@DoDgeSwaG]

Michael Ridgeway if he does it, better be a damn Persian 💪🏼🦾

[@vincentmalab3289]

The Russian or Slavic name Leonid (means "Son of the Lion") is Russian for Leonidas also means "Son of the Lion"...

[@rl6173]

Gae

[@TekNeez]

Such a badass dude

[@saeedvazirian]

Except when you read actual history on him, lmao

[@zDRAG_]

@@saeedvazirian what is the actual History? Can you give me any Source?

[@Bb-xq7gk]

@@zDRAG_ Of course not lol he just doesn't like the fact his ancestors were humiliated by the thousand

[@judymoore8514]

I got the same chills from your narration as I did from the film! That is an amazing story and Simon you are a fantastic story teller! I enjoy listening to you narrate stories that I wouldn't normally be interested in but you just have an incredible voice and I could listen to you speak about anything!! Thank you for all you do!

[@Goodfella713]

I listen to you on my commute to and from work. You're doing a great job brother!

[@peenplays4219]

It never ceases to amaze me every time I think about it how a handful of city states stopped the onslaught of the largest empire at the time

[@Knight_Astolfo]

THIS IS ROME (apparently)

[@No_Sleep789]

LMAO 😂👌

[@thegreatrainman2336]

😂🤣 Rome did destroy the entire Spartan population and city . I guess it's just a message like remember who really the bad ass.

[@almightycthulhu3651]

@@thegreatrainman2336 you might be thinking of Carthage bud.

[@thegreatrainman2336]

@@almightycthulhu3651 lmfao they did that both of them go research it.

[@almightycthulhu3651]

@@thegreatrainman2336 I did the only battle that I could find was the siege of Gythium which ended because Rome promised safe passage to the Spartan soldiers. Then they were technically part of the Achean war but they didnt take an active role in it. Roman Historians talk of Laconians up till the time of Nero which gives me the impression they weren't "wiped out," because they were still being deployed as provincial Roman troops. On top of that you can still live in Sparta, you saying that they destroyed both takes the weight away from what they did to Carthage (you still can't live in Carthage because of the way handled that city). Scippio Africanus watching the sack of Carthage was such a powerful moment because he makes the observation that at some point it's going to happen to Rome, you dont get anything like that at the end of the Achean war.

[@chinchin6598]

When your army is so good they have to nerf you and forced you to bring 300 soldiers only

[@walkersavage4926]

I've been hooked since I saw the first video. Good stuff all around. Thank you.

[@Foebane72]

This makes me want to watch "300" once again.

[@brucepeterson6344]

A better choice: The 300 Spartans (1962). Very authentic.

[@MrRevelation9]

Meet the Spartans

[@silia_p1013]

Fan fact: in Greek, Eplialtes, translates directly to the word nightmare.

[@T_bone]

Wasn't he also from the city of "malice"?

[@silia_p1013]

@@T_bone Ephialtes was of Malian (Malis /Malieis) descent. Malians were a Greek tribe that resided in the Malian Gulf.

[@chrishansen8201]

@@silia_p1013 what's your snap

[@critiquemytechnique1135]

@@chrishansen8201 lmaooo

[@russmarasheski7005]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@dylandraws6654]

I've watch so many biographics And I can say whole heartedly this was the best ( it gave me goosebumps)

[@susangutrugianios2241]

This was a great presentation lots of details. Thank You

[@epicscreenname989]

*GREAT JOB ON THIS ONE SIMON AND COMPANY*

[@mishham6388]

These men are true heros. Amazing.....I doubt humanity will ever experience such unimaginable bravery ever again. Wow....just wow

[@buckrogers7115]

I named my son Leonidas, the saviour of western civilization.

[@Baddawg_313]

What???? That's badass! 👊🏼

[@Vag48H]

Well, however epic his sacrifice was, the actual saviours were both Athenians: Miltiades at Marathon in 490 and Themistocles at Salamis in 480. The big difference is that they WON their respective battles, which were crucial for the survival of the nascent Greek culture. Leonidas' sacrifice brought unity and a sense of nationality to a divided Greek world, though, steeling their will to prevail. For that he is revered through the eons. Your son bears a proud name!

[@cnoelad83]

My son is named Leonidas as well.

[@boiledegg3534]

The battle of Thermopylae make me cry Every time man😭

[@user-dn4qr9it2t]

Yes😢 And im Greek❤

[@TheGreatAndEpicMe]

One day I'd like to have a time machine just to visit the past and witness to events for real and how accurate today's accounts are.

[@slayingroosters4355]

King take a face mask, some detox and some hand sanitizer 🤣👌🏿

[@charliemike13]

slaying roosters water purification, soap, toilet paper/bidet...

[@nickeconomidis4294]

I had the same thoughts while watching it

[@Vicks2418]

@@slayingroosters4355 lol 💯

[@dirkdiggler5581]

Imagine taking a fkn a10 or something like that with you and melt through the Persian forces at night and tell a Greek dude it was ares sending his regards for the Spartan braveness..

[@alexndg5260]

Great episode friend. Thanks!

[@DrinkingStar]

My favorite quote describing the 300 Spartans is ," They were not defeated, they were only killed".

[@cruisingwithoutsail6585]

And hows that different from defeat?

[@DrinkingStar]

They never gave up.The quote deals with a frame of mind. They knew it was suicide to stay and fight to the death. Being killed does not mean they were defeated in terms of their spirit. The same can be said of another such group, the French Foreign Legionaries at the battle of Camerone Mexico. The same can be said of the Legionaires at the battle Dien Bien Phu.

[@LibraDiCaprio]

perhaps the best episode yet

[@skubz81]

One of my all time favorite stories! Great work!

[@zackcantrell9689]

I absolutely love this channel. Thank you for sharing these stories with me.

[@justinhall5645]

Great video!!! love them all. very entertaining and informative, if school lessons where presented like this I believe others and myself included would retain more of the information presented to us. anyway much appreciated thank you for your hard work.

[@boxertest]

Spartans! Ready your breakfast and eat hearty, for tonight, we dine in hell!

[@ducatil-twin3379]

Lame.

[@calvinpulliam9719]

He lived as a Warrior and Died as a King and in his death he Earned the Biggest Award of all Spartans "Immortality"

[@saeedvazirian]

@@calvinpulliam9719 Persians were the immortals when they kept emerging as empires despite invasions by petty foreigners.

[@craigore2011]

He was just your average run of the mill Lord of the Dead, but all of that changes when 300 crazy Spartans show up on his doorstep saying they have dinner reservations. Dine in Hades. Coming soon to a theater near you...

[@tyleru96]

@@craigore2011 Now this is a quality youtube comment - a rarity these days.

[@krammy1014]

"Persian Cowards" -King Leonidas One of the badass man in History of mankind .

[@ARIYA2150]

Amazing that a comic movie 300 had so much influence in people's view of what actually happened. The only reason the Spartans managed to stay alive more than 1 day, is due to the location of battle. In an open field, Leonidas and his greasy boys would've been dust in the wind.

[@300_spartansoldier5]

ARIYA stfu u Persian

[@ARIYA2150]

@@300_spartansoldier5 you have no argument, typical Greek answer

[@ARIYA2150]

@@300_spartansoldier5 make a case for yourself, Hellenes, going by your name, I'm assuming your sources are the 300 series lol

[@RandomPerson-ei1eo]

ARIA I can’t tell if you’re saying that the Spartans were bad warriors but yeah, if it was in an open field, the Spartans would have lost, still they were great warriors.

[@chris49749]

Another amazing video!!

[@rickyflips6835]

Awesome story. Gave me chills.

[@sobiesk]

Yes, I enjoyed this presentation very much and thank you.

[@JamesJ422]

Can’t wait for the “Ummm ACKTUALLY it’s LEO-NYE-DAS” comments

[@TotalRookie_LV]

I'm named Leonids (without a in the ending, a local variation of the name) in real life, and I don't care

[@panagiotissoufli1]

Actually it s pronounced leo-knee- thus in greek :p

[@TrTai]

Nah, the "Hairy Carey" pronunciation got me more "Ha-rah Key-ree"

[@leonidastsouris2557]

panagiotis Hatenhatsu ahh finally thank you

[@AggressiveMediocrity1]

Lmao freakin history buffs!

[@keithjackson4985]

This video, is simply fantastic!

[@elmithosmaldonado43]

It is natural to feel this emotional after hearing that true story about that level of skill and bravery, product of an inconmensurable love for his family and his people, exploding in the face of the greatest fears. Its glare shines through centuries and frontiers and reaches you where you are, finding you in awe, in admiration.

[@joevinski1]

Amazing video Simon !!!! Keep up the great work one of my favorite videos so far

[@lukezuzga6460]

One of your best yet!

[@keningall5404]

Awesome presentation Simon !

[@4GivenbyIam]

Great video, awesome job!!!!

[@Burke813]

I love your videos, you can tell you put in hard work to make each video perfect!

[@libertygiveme1987]

Leonidas- Now that was a WARRIOR!!!! Thank-You Simon, you DID IT AGAIN!!!

[@briandspohn5260]

I really enjoy your biographies you are a brilliant man..

[@eduardocataganha439]

Born for that great moment. So heroic, pure sacrifice that men fought and died for him even after his death. Pure leadership!!!!

[@kingsoren2010]

Thank you, good to know the history of these brave men, going to watch The 300 starring Gerard Butler again. THIS IS SPARTA !!!

[@ashvazdanghe]

Only stupids think it was sparta

[@forcedtohaveahandle]

Shahram Nikbakhsh “stupids”

[@mightandknowledge]

Tell them in Lacedaimon, passer-by That here, obedient to their word, we lie. Simonides of Ceos

[@Jinisinsane]

Kind of pisses me off how they keep showing pics of roman legionaires.

[@mid-knight1276]

It’s kinda disappointing that the Spartans were defeated so easily by the romans 🗿

[@andrewwest4427]

Great video. I find the Spartans such a fascinating culture in history. If I could choose a different time and place and felt I could be badass enough, I would go to Sparta

[@evelinecarolinelienhuaming1184]

Awesome, I'm watching God of War 4 walkthrough now, then the new notification appear, this new video is talking about a Sparta Hero. Unbelievable ^_^

[@jonathanjorgenson8282]

"GIVE THEM NOTHING!" "BUT TAKE FROM THEM!" EVERYTHING! FOR TONIGHT WE DINE IN HATIES!

[@boota8881]

Hades*

[@candice_ecidnac]

If you're unsure of a quote, you can look it up. You have internet access, and that's what Google is for, after all. You don't seem to know how quotes work, either. Bizarre.

[@forcedtohaveahandle]

Jonathan Jorgenson TONIGHT WE DINE IN HAITI!

[@bigsouth010]

꧁꧂ yes tonight we’re having dinner with our black friends

[@slayingroosters4355]

Candice ecidnaC 17:05 you wouldn’t even have to put that much effort in, it’s literally written for you to copy in this video as he says it 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@edopalansky4173]

love it, knew a lot but learnt so much more

[@angelojohnnys7246]

Of all your videos very insightful the way you explain them is amazing very big talented