The Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE) saw 300 Spartans and their allies make a heroic last stand against the massive Persian army.

Their sacrifice became a symbol of courage and resistance, inspiring future Greek victories.

The Greeks later turned the tide of war, defeating the Persians at the naval Battle of Salamis and the land Battle of Plataea, ultimately ending the invasion and securing their independence, shaping the course of Western civilization.