300
Below is one of our free research papers on 300. If the term paper below is not exactly what you're looking for, you can search our essay database for other topics or order a custom essay.
300
The battle between the Greeks and the Persians took place at Thermopylae. Thermopylae was a narrow mountain pass, made up of the sea on one side and cliffs on the other. Herodotus’ account of this battle is found in Book 7, Xerxes War. Another account of this battle can be seen in the movie 300. The Persian “god,” Xerxes, has acquired much “earth and water,” and wants more; he seeks out the Greek empire. He has armies of the millions, and the Greeks can not match those numbers. Although the book and the movie are accounts of the same battle, the viewpoint, the tone and some key points are different in comparison.
Herodotus states there in Thermopylae a small force led by King Leonidas of Sparta met the Persian army of millions. Although it is not just Spartans it is a whole army of Greeks who are ready to defeat the Persians. Xerxes is interested in as much territory power as possible and goes to battle with his army that he thinks is unbeatable, due to the size. The Greeks, which include Athenians, Spartans, Thespians, and Thebans, take on the Persians. Surprisingly, the Greeks give Persia a good fight and win throughout the battle. Though the Greeks grow tired and worn, the Persians have fresh men for battle. Although the Greeks put up a good fight, Leonidas gets rid of most of his army, and is left with few remaining Spartan forces to fight a suicidal battle.
The book does not start informing the reader about King Leonidas until well into the story line. King Leonidas is the main character of the movie, 300. His story begins from childhood until he is King; he is faced with a messenger who brings him the news that Xerxes wants his freedom. He goes to the oracles for guidance, they tell him not to go to war. King Leonidas gathers 300 men, and begin traveling north to fight the Persians. They fight different armies of the Persians, and the same 300 men defeat each army. Along the way some allies help the Spartans, but for the most part...
- Submitted by: tiffanyhugh
- Date Submitted: 11/04/2008 01:36 PM
- Category: Miscellaneous
- Words: 798
- Pages: 4
- Views: 313
- Rank: 47044