The outcome of the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC was a significant Persian victory, but it became legendary for the extraordinary valor displayed by the vastly outnumbered Greek forces. Led by King Leonidas I of Sparta, a small contingent of around 300 Spartans and various Greek allies heroically defended the narrow pass against the massive Persian army under Xerxes. Despite their ultimate defeat, the Greek forces' stand at Thermopylae became a symbol of bravery and sacrifice and inspired subsequent Greek resistance against Persia, contributing to the eventual Greek victory in the later Battle of Salamis.