The Spartans sent the men with Leonidas on ahead so that the rest of the allies would see them and march, instead of medizing like the others if they learned that the Spartans were delaying. At present the Carneia The national festival in honor of Apollo, held in September. was in their way, but once they had completed the festival, they intended to leave a garrison at Sparta [22.4417,37.0667] (Perseus) Sparta and march out in full force with all speed.

The rest of the allies planned to do likewise, for the Olympiad coincided with these events. They accordingly sent their advance guard, not expecting the war at +Thermopylae [22.5583,38.8] (Perseus) Thermopylae to be decided so quickly.