The Legend is Fabulous, the Real Story is Astonishing! Hosted by Dr. Michael Scott (PBS, BBC, History Channel, etc.). A detailed look at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC Greece between Leonidas and his 300 Spartans versus Xerxes' 250,000 Persian invaders. On the last day of the battle, Leonidas was surrounded and sent most of his troops away covering their retreat with a valiant last stand.