A true warrior king, Leonidas I led the Greek city-state of Sparta. His family were said to be descended from demigod Heracles, which supposedly explained their strength, vitality and battle prowess. Leonidas led 300 of the best Spartan warriors, 900 Helots, 400 Thebans and 700 Thespians in a heroic last stand against the forces of Xerxes, the Persian king. Current estimates suggest that the Greeks held off between 70,000 and 300,000 Persian warriors, providing time for the remainder of the allied Greek forces to mobilise. The last stand of Leonidas and his loyal 300 has attained mythological status, being held up as an example for all.