The famous historical battle won by the Spartans against the Persians is the Battle of Thermopylae, which occurred in 480 BCE during the Greco-Persian Wars. Led by King Leonidas I, a small force of about 300 Spartans and several thousand allies held off a vastly superior Persian army under King Xerxes. Despite their eventual defeat, the Spartans showcased remarkable courage and military prowess, showing that a determined and disciplined force could challenge a much larger enemy. The battle is legendary not only for its heroic stand but also for its strategic significance, inspiring subsequent Greek city-states to unite against the Persian threat and ultimately contribute to their eventual victory.