a famous battle in 480 BC; a Greek army under Leonidas was annihilated by the Persians who were trying to conquer Greece

the site of a narrow pass where in 480 B. C. a small Greek force under Leonidas, King of Sparta, held of a Persian invading army for three days, allowing Greece time to prepare

A famous defense in ancient Greece. Also, a primarily automatic close defense system for battleships.

The location of a battle between Persia and Greece where the Spartan Leonidas died heroically

Thermopylae (IPA pronunciation: ) (Ancient and Katharevousa Greek , Demotic Θερμοπύλες: "hot gateway") is a location in Greece where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity. It derives its name from several natural hot water springs. It is primarily known for the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC in which an overmatched Greek force held off advancing Persians under Xerxes, and the term since has been used to reference heroic resistance against a more powerful enemyOED entry for Thermopylae..