The smaller of twins, born long after two elder brothers, Leonidas was considered an afterthought from birth -- even by his mother.
Struggling to survive wi.
Barefoot, always a little hungry, and subject to harsh discipline, Leonidas had to prove himself worthy of Spartan citizenship.
Lucky not to be killed for being undersized, he was not raised as a prince like his eldest brother, Cleomenes, who was heir to the throne, but instead had to endure the harsh upbringing of ordinary Spartan youth.
The smaller of twins, born long after two elder brothers, Leonidas was considered an afterthought from birth -- even by his mother