The Spartans undoubtedly earned their reputation as one of the most powerful warriors of all times. So powerful they were that they’re called the descendants of Hercules himself. Spartans knew no such word as “weakness”. They disposed babies who’s considered too weak, too puny, or too crippled that couldn’t be helped. The male children had to undergo hard trainings since they’re 3 years old, and at the age of 7, they were separated from their mothers in order to survive alone in the outside worlds. It’s truly a test of manhood.
Their big round shields were said to be the greatest asset of all Spartan warriors. If they somehow lost their shield, they would rather die than returning home without it. Being skilled in fighting with their swords and spears, Spartans were unequaled when it came to land-fighting force. They usually wore minimum armor with a helmet and a long red robe.
They also had battle formations which could provide strong defense and also deliver strong offense. Covering themselves with their shields, each Spartan must protects his friend on his left side from neck to thigh. They also had superior armaments that made their battle formations even tougher.
300 told a story about the battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where King Leonidas (played by Gerard Butler) led 300 finest Spartans warriors to fight the massive Persian army. The Spartans got help from 700 Thespians, 400 Thebans, and 900 Helots in order to face the massive 150.000 to 200.000 Persians. Being greatly outnumbered, the courageous Spartans held back the Persians for 3 days in one of history’s most famous “last stands”.
Directed by Zack Snyder, 300 made a great movie of a mixture between real-life action and amazing CGI graphics. Heroic, bloody, and messy, are the three perfect words that able to describe this movie.
The Persians, led by Xerxes (played by Rodrigo Santoro), sent their messengers to King Leonidas in Spartan land to negotiate the deal. The deal was simple and straightforward. The Spartans were told to surrender, gave all of their weapons, and shared their lands (earth) and water, in return of the mercy from the Persians. Xerxes even offered King Leonidas and his army a great position, plus safety and wealth. But the Spartans and King Leonidas himself was offended by the arrogance of the Persians.
King Leonidas who respected his people and his wife – Queen Gorgo (played by Lena Headey), who happened to be the queen of the Spartans, tried his best to defend the country. He executed all the messengers and that act led The Spartans to an inevitable war facing Xerxes the Great and nasty Persian army.
Leonidas didn’t have support and blessings from the city’s council, the Ephors (creatures who could consult the Gods and the Oracle), and also the Oracle. According to the Spartan’s law, there must not be a war or military activities during the Carneia Festival, which happened to be held precisely at that time. Some people even accused Leonidas had started the war and brought doom to the people, but actually it was him who defend the people of Sparta from the destruction caused by the Persians, as they wished to enslave all the Spartan women and children once they overtaken the country.
Having no support and no other choice, Leonidas assembled a troop of only 300 men who were the finest Spartan warriors. They marched forward with only one mission, to fight the Persians and defend their country. He didn’t care about the rules and laws, as he sensed that the danger of Persian army was so close to destroy his country. The only support he had were from his wife, his boy, and all 300 soldiers who swore to give their life for
Leonidas knew deep within his heart that he was marching to certain death as the number of his army and forces were not enough for a victory. So he chose only male warriors with living sons. But on the other hand, he believed to achieve victory because the Spartans were never been defeated in battle before. This was the only thing he could do as a king to defend his country in advance, before the Spartans could send full forces after the festival was over. The Persian sent their elite army called the Immortals, which was the most dangerous army in the whole
“No retreat! No surrender!” That’s the only law that Leonidas and his 300 brave companions had in mind, and so they fought to the last breath. Those who knew the history probably knew the outcome, the storyline, plus the exact statistics of this legendary battle. But I leave it all to you yourself to discover the “300” as it retells the great battle of
Ivan the Freelancer
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