Leonidas v2 reload

Zeus grant this version actually shows up...

Leonidas version 2, with open-fronted helmet showing more of his face. I couldn't decide which one I liked best so I'm shoving them both up. (The Spartans always had two kings at a time anyway, so it's sort of appropriate). Other version: [link]

In 480 BC the Persian Empire under Xerxes launched its second invasion of Greece. An army of 300,000 + crossed the Hellespoint and made its way down the Greek peninsula. It was held at bay for several days by only 300 Spartan warriors under Leonidas who defended the pass of Thermopylae between the sea and the mountains. (The Spartan council only permit the king to take a small force, and he chose only men who already had sons, to ensure the survival of their bloodlines). The massively out-numbered Spartans (and a few other Greek allies) were only overwhelmed when a local traitor showed the Persians a route to out-flank them. Shortly afterwards the Athenians under Themistocles defeated the Persians in the naval battle of Salamis and Xerxes was compeleld to withdraw north. Another Spartan commander, Pausianias, led the greeks to another land victory, forcing the Persians to withdraw, forever changing the course of European history.