Thermopylae Battlefield Private Half Day Tour from Athens

Leonidas was a king of the Greek city-state of Sparta, and the 17th of the Agiad line, a dynasty which claimed descent from the mythological demigod Heracles and Cadmus. Leonidas was son of King Anaxandridas II. He succeeded his half-brother King Cleomenes I to the throne in 489 BC.
Leonidas had a notable participation in the Second Persian War, where he led the allied Greek forces to a last stand at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC) while attempting to defend the pass from the invading Persian army; he died at the battle and entered myth as the leader of the 300 Spartans. While the Greeks lost this battle, they were able to expel the Persian invaders in the following year.

Next to the monument of Leonidas, in the historic Thermopylae, lies the innovative museum of the Lamia Municipality, dedicated to the 480 BC battle that changed the course of Greek history. A scientific project of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, the Centre of Historical Information of Thermopylae opened its doors to the public in 2010. The building, in the shape of an ancient spearhead turned to the north as if facing the invaders, is characterized by its ergonomic design that applies to the most up-to-date museological purposes and features glass panels that allow in plenty of natural light. The Centre represents history as an interactive narrative and discourse: In its three exhibition halls -named Leonidas, Dienekes and Thermopylae- multimedia applications offer visitors a virtual trip to the time and battlefields of the Persian Wars, as recounted by the ancient historian Herodotus, while the very battle of Thermopylae comes alive in a digital 3D movie.

The Battle of Thermopylae war conducted in 480BC among the Greeks and the Persians the same time the Naval Battle of Artemision took place. In the beginning of September the Persian Army led my Xerxis reaches the passageways of Thermopylae. The Greeks have chosen this strategic spot to face the Persian attack. Xerxis has commanded Leonides, the leader of the Greek Army to surrender his armory but he replied 'Come and Get them'. Two consecutive days the Greeks fought heroically. The third day Efialtes betrays the Greeks, showing the Persians the passageway so as to get to the back side of the Greeks. So, the Persian Army surrounds the Greeks. Leonides remains in the site of the battle along with 300 Spartans, 700 Thespieis and 400 Thivaious, loyal to his homeland laws. He fall dead from Persian arrows.

Kamena Vourla is a seaside town near Athens. Its lush green landscape and beautiful beaches will enchant you. You will also find several restaurants and cafes there.

The Baths of Thermopylae are located 15 km. from the city of Lamia. The area is known from the Battle of Thermopylae between the Greeks and the Persians in 480 BC. Next to the road is the statue of Leonidas and the sacred hill, where Leonidas fell fighting with the 300 Spartans and the 700 Thespians. According to mythology, Hephaestus, at the request of the goddess Athena, created the springs so that Hercules could wash and regain his strength after his labors.