Ephialtes: The Most Controversial Traitor in Greek History You’ve Never Heard Of!

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:47:39 +0000

Ephialtes: The Most Controversial Traitor in Greek History You’ve Never Heard Of In the shadowy corners of ancient Greek history lies a figure imprinted with controversy and debate: Ephialtes of Trachis, a man whose name is often whispered—but rarely understood. Known as one of the most infamous traitors of the Greco-Persian Wars, Ephialtes’ actions continue to spark conversation among historians and enthusiasts alike. Yet, unlike widely celebrated heroes such as Leonidas or Themistocles, Ephialtes remains a controversial, enigmatic figure—largely overlooked, yet undeniably pivotal in shaping the outcome of one of antiquity’s defining conflicts. ### Who Was Ephialtes?
Ephialtes was a small-time local from Trachis, a modest town in central Greece, situated near the strategic Thermopylae pass. Though little is known of his early life, ancient sources portray him as impulsive and opportunistic. His most notorious act occurred during the pivotal Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE, when Persian forces under King Xerxes I sought to outflank the Greek alliance led by King Leonidas of Sparta. Trapped in the narrow pass where the Greek defenders had taken a stand, Leonidas knew defeat was inevitable—and yet, a traitor named Ephialtes revealed to Xerxes a least-known mountain path—the Anopaia track. This secret route allowed Persian troops to bypass the Greek defenses, turning the battle from a defensive stand into a full-scale collapse. According to Herodotus in The Histories, this betrayal directly led to Leonidas’ death and the annihilation of the核心防守力量.