Sparta has been the a topic of cultural inspiration. Such admiration of the Spartans is referred to as Laconism or Laconophilia. In modern popular culture this is typically centered on the Battle of Thermopylae, which is perhaps the most famous military last stand of all time.
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Battle of Thermopylae in popular culture
The Battle of Thermopylae has long been the topic of cultural inspiration, as it is perhaps the most famous military last stand of all time. This "against all odds" story is passed to us from the writings of the Greek Herodotus, who was not present at the battle himself. He relates the story of 300 Spartans and 700 Thespiae defending the Pass of Thermopylae against almost "2 million" [sic] Persians for three days.
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The development of the English Public Schools was influenced by the schooling of Spartan children.