300 Spartans, led by King Leonidas I, sacrificed themselves at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE against the massive Persian army of King Xerxes I. Their stand was not just an act of bravery but a strategic and symbolic move. Their heroic last stand became a symbol of Greek unity and resistance.

It rallied the Greek city-states to continue the fight, leading to victories at Salamis (480 BCE) and Plataea (479 BCE), which ultimately repelled the Persian invasion.

King Leonidas led by example, choosing to stay and fight alongside his men.

Lesson: Great leaders do not ask others to do what they are not willing to do themselves.

Their sacrifice motivated the Greek city-states to unite and eventually defeat Persia.

Lesson: One person’s (or a small group’s) bravery can inspire others to act and bring about greater change.