Did any of the 300 Spartans survive?

King Leonidas, the leader of the Spartans, recognized Aristodemus's condition. He ordered Aristodemus and another soldier, Eurytus, to return home before the battle commenced. This was a humane gesture, as it spared the two soldiers from the inevitable fate that awaited their comrades.

However, not all of the soldiers obeyed the king's orders. Eurytus, despite being blind, turned back and rejoined the fight. His bravery was commendable, but ultimately, it led to his demise. He charged into the fray and met his end on the battlefield.

Thermopylae was a pivotal location in ancient history. It was here where the Spartans made their last stand against a numerically superior enemy. Despite the odds, they fought bravely and with immense courage.

Aristodemus played a unique role in this epic battle. Unlike his fellow Spartans, he did not perish on the battlefield. In fact, he was the sole Spartan survivor of the engagement.

The reason for Aristodemus's survival was a medical condition. He suffered from an eye disease that prevented him from participating in the final, decisive moments of the battle. This fortunate turn of fate allowed him to live and tell the tale of his comrades' bravery.