Rulers & Emperors · Head-to-head
Leonidas I vs Xerxes I
Yes — based on their recorded years, Leonidas I (c. 540–480 BCE) and Xerxes I (c. 518–465 BCE) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.
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Leonidas I
A Spartan king remembered for leading a small allied Greek force, including 300 Spartans, in a legendary last stand against the invading Persian army.
Key achievements
- Ruled Sparta as a king of the Agiad dynasty from around 489 BCE
- Led an allied Greek force at the Battle of Thermopylae against Xerxes' Persian army in 480 BCE
- Held the narrow pass for several days against vastly superior numbers before being outflanked
- Died in battle, becoming a lasting symbol of courage against overwhelming odds
Fast fact
Leonidas died alongside his remaining troops at Thermopylae in 480 BCE after his forces were outflanked, but their delay bought crucial time for the rest of Greece to prepare its defense.
Full profile of Leonidas I →Xerxes I
The fourth King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire, best remembered for leading a massive invasion of Greece that was ultimately repelled.
Key achievements
- Ruled the Achaemenid Persian Empire, the largest empire the world had yet seen, from 486 to 465 BCE
- Led a massive invasion of Greece during the Greco-Persian Wars
- Fought the famous Battle of Thermopylae against a small Greek force
- Suffered a decisive naval defeat at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE
Fast fact
Xerxes' invasion force was checked at the Battle of Thermopylae by a small Greek force including 300 Spartans, before his navy was decisively defeated at the Battle of Salamis.
Full profile of Xerxes I →Who lived first, Leonidas I or Xerxes I?
Leonidas I (c. 540–480 BCE) lived first, before Xerxes I (c. 518–465 BCE), based on their recorded years.
Were Leonidas I and Xerxes I contemporaries?
Yes — based on their recorded years, Leonidas I (c. 540–480 BCE) and Xerxes I (c. 518–465 BCE) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.
What do Leonidas I and Xerxes I have in common?
Both Leonidas I and Xerxes I are grouped among our Rulers & Emperors figures and lived during the Ancient World.