I typically enjoy articles I read in Bearing Arms, but this one should have been run past a more experienced editor. > The origin of the phrase is intricately tied to the Battle of Thermopylae. There, the Persian king Xerxes wanted to invade Greece. Standing in his way was King Leonidas and 300 Spartans (and a number of Thespians and Thebans, though history often forgets them). Xerxes offered the Greeks their freedom and survival from the onslaught of his army which reportedly numbered in the millions. > **When Xerxes ambassador told Leonidas this, the Spartan king is claimed to have answered, “Molon labe.”** > The phrase means, “come and take them.” Purportedly, the comment to which Leonidas replied was that the Spartans would be allowed to live if they *laid down their weapons.* Hence, "Come take them." Not slagging you for posting it. I'm just a dick sometimes.