Leonidas I

1 8.8

King of Sparta who died in 480 BC and led the Greek army at Thermopylae against the Persians

proper noun
/liˈɒnɪdəs/

: Leonidas I

Leonidas I is remembered for his leadership and bravery at the Battle of Thermopylae.

Examples

Leonidas I is remembered for his heroic stand against the Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae.
King Leonidas I was a legendary figure in ancient Greece.
Many historians consider Leonidas I a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
The story of Leonidas I has inspired countless works of literature and film.
Did Leonidas I really lead his men against overwhelming odds?
At the Battle of Thermopylae, Leonidas I led his men with unmatched bravery and skill.
Historians often highlight Leonidas I's leadership during the crucial battle against overwhelming Persian forces.

Synonyms

Leonidas

vsLeonidas I

8 9.5

King of Sparta who led Greek soldiers at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC

is the fuller title form rather than the shorter name version

Surface Forms

Leonidas I main

Morphology

Leonidas + I

This is a proper name followed by a regnal numeral: the meaning is simply the king 'Leonidas' with 'I' indicating 'the first'. This composition is not idiomatic and follows a cross-linguistically common pattern (name + ordinal/roman numeral), so learners who recognize the name and the numbering convention will readily understand it.

Etymology

Leonidas I became famous for a short, deadly stand at Thermopylae: he led a small group of Greek soldiers who held a narrow mountain pass while a much larger army attacked, and he died there. That's why his name is used as a symbol of 'courage' and 'sacrifice'.