K12
The Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC — where 300 Spartans famously held off a Persian army — is one of history's most celebrated last stands. But the Persians, led by King Xerxes, eventually won. How did they break through?
A
They built a massive siege tower that overwhelmed the Spartan wall
B
A Greek traitor showed them a mountain path to flank the Spartans
C
They waited the Spartans out until they ran out of food and water
D
Persian navy ships landed troops behind Spartan lines
E
Xerxes personally challenged King Leonidas to single combat
