Events in 481 BC

August 17, 481 BC

Battle of Thermopylae

A historic battle where 300 Spartans and 7,000 Greeks defended against massive Persian invasion force of 300,000 at a narrow mountain pass in Greece, becoming a symbol of courage and sacrifice against overwhelming odds.

September 28, 481 BC

Battle of Salamis

A pivotal naval battle in 480 BC where the Greek fleet led by Themistocles defeated the larger Persian armada of Xerxes I in the narrow straits between Piraeus and Salamis Island, marking a turning point in the Second Persian invasion of Greece.