Reference Map of Attica

Persians, under Xerxes, invaded Greece. In August 480 B.C., they attacked the Greeks at the 2 meter wide pass at Thermopylae that controlled the only road between Thessaly and Central Greece. The Spartan general and king Leonidas, was in charge of the Greek forces that tried to restrain the vast Persian army and keep them from attacking the rear of the Greek navy. After two days, a traitor led the Persians around the pass behind the Greek army.