Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:12:29 +0000

Ephialtes: The Traitor Who Changed the Battle of Thermopylae When ancient history textbooks mention the legendary stand of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae, few names shine as darkly as Ephialtes — the betrayer whose actions altered the course of one of antiquity’s most iconic battles. Who was Ephialtes, and why does his name resonate centuries later? This article explores the historical figure behind the legend, his role in the Persian Wars, and the lasting impact of his betrayal. ### Who Was Ephialtes? Ephialtes remains a shadowy figure in ancient historical records, yet his actions had monumental consequences. He was a local Greek from Trachis, a town located near the mountain pass of Thermopylae in Central Greece. While little is definitively known about his personal background, ancient sources like Herodotus provide a sparse but vivid account of his role during the famous 480 BCE invasion by Persian King Xerxes I.