

What is Molon Labe

Molon Labe is a greek phrase roughly translated to "Come and take them!"

Molon Labe is reportedly the defiant response of King Leonidas of Sparta to Xerxes of Persia at the battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Xerxes requested the Spartans and their allies to lay down their weapons and their lives would be spared. The legendary response has become a classic expression of defiance. It is akin to "over my dead body", or "From my cold, dead hands".

Greek Spelling: ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Pronunciation: Mo-Lone La-Vay

The words "MOLON LABE" in Greek as they are inscribed on a monument at Thermopylae.

Carving at Thermopylea