THERMOPYLAE KA MAIDAAN

PRERNA FOR IAS

THERMOPYLAE KA MAIDAAN

(HISTORY)

1. The Persian Threat

In 480 BCE, the powerful Persian Empire under King Xerxes I launched a massive invasion of Greece. Persia was one of the largest empires in the ancient world, stretching across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Xerxes aimed to conquer the independent Greek city-states and expand his empire further west. His army greatly outnumbered the Greek forces, creating fear among many Greeks. However, military strength alone could not guarantee victory. The Greeks, especially the Spartans, were determined to defend their homeland. This invasion led to one of history’s most famous battles—the Battle of Thermopylae.

2. The Defense of Thermopylae

Thermopylae was a narrow mountain pass in central Greece, making it an ideal defensive position against a much larger army. King Leonidas of Sparta selected this location to block the Persian advance. He led 300 Spartan warriors along with several thousand Greek allies to defend the pass. The narrow terrain prevented the Persians from fully using their numerical advantage. Leonidas understood