Courage, bravery, leadership, and dedication are only a few of the great attributes shown by King Leonidas of Ancient Sparta. Leonidas was King of Sparta for only a short amount of time, but in that time ensured himself a legacy that will never be forgotten. In Leonidas’ life he did many things but, the most diligent and respected action was the stand he took at the Battle of Thermopylae along with 300 other warriors. Leonidas is one of the most widely known leaders of the ancient world and will never be forgotten for the bravery and discipline he demonstrated in his self sacrifice at the Battle of Thermopylae. Leonidas’ background is very interesting, considering what his name means and who is in his lineage. A very long time ago in Ancient Sparta the young warrior ,Leonidas, was born specifically in the year, “510 B.C.E” and sadly met his tragic death on “August 20, 480 B.C.E” (“Leonidas 487). Leonidas’ name suited him well because his name meant “lion-like” and, he put that name to the test in his eight years ruling as King from “488 B.C. to 480 B.C.” (“Biography King Leonidas”). Leonidas was set up for his Kingship because his dad was also a King. His name was “King Anaxandridas II” (Biography King Leonidas”). This put a lot of pressure on him to live up to his father’s name and make him proud. Leonidas’ known family besides his father consists of his “half brother, Cleomenes I” who was birthed by the “second wife” of King Anaxandridas II (“Biography King Leonidas”).