1 00:01:12,767 --> 00:01:15,851 When the boy was born 2 00:01:15,851 --> 00:01:19,359 like old Spartans he was inspected. 3 00:01:19,983 --> 00:01:24,585 If he had been small or puny or sickly or misshapen 4 00:01:24,585 --> 00:01:27,392 he would've been discarded. 5 00:01:34,263 --> 00:01:39,771 From the time he could stand, he was baptized in the fire of combat. 6 00:02:01,928 --> 00:02:05,727 Taught never to retreat, never to surrender, 7 00:02:05,727 --> 00:02:10,998 taught that death on the battlefield in service to Sparta 8 00:02:10,998 --> 00:02:14,638 is the greatest glory he could achieve in his life. 9 00:02:29,370 --> 00:02:34,120 At age seven, as is customary in Sparta. 10 00:02:34,120 --> 00:02:39,360 the boy was taken from his mother and plunged in a world of violence. 11 00:02:40,040 --> 00:02:45,333 Manufactured by 300 years, a Spartan warrior society 12 00:02:45,333 --> 00:02:49,450 to create the finest soldiers the world has ever known. 13 00:02:49,804 --> 00:02:52,745 The agoge is its goal. 14 00:02:52,745 --> 00:02:56,189 It forces the boy to fight, starves him. 15 00:02:56,189 --> 00:02:58,560 It forces him to steal. 16 00:02:58,560 --> 00:03:02,573 And, if necessary, to kill. 17 00:03:04,167 --> 00:03:06,941 By rod and lash, the boy was punished. 18 00:03:06,941 --> 00:03:11,292 Taught to show no pain, no mercy. 19 00:03:12,089 --> 00:03:15,765 Hunts to be tested, tossed into the wild. 20 00:03:15,765 --> 00:03:21,612 Let to pit his wits and will against nature's fury. 21 00:03:21,612 --> 00:03:26,288 It was his initiation. His time in the wild. 22 00:03:26,288 --> 00:03:31,278 For he would return to his people as Spartan 23 00:03:31,278 --> 00:03:33,836 or not at all. 24 00:03:55,836 --> 00:03:58,677 The wolf begins to circle the boy. 25 00:03:58,677 --> 00:04:04,171 Claws of black steel burned this dark night. 26 00:04:04,171 --> 00:04:09,147 Eyes glowing red, jewels from the pit of hell itself. 27 00:04:18,363 --> 00:04:22,394 The giant wolf sniffing, 28 00:04:22,394 --> 00:04:25,668 savoring the scent of the meal to come. 29 00:04:49,773 --> 00:04:51,852 It's not fear that grips him, 30 00:04:51,852 --> 00:04:55,236 only a heightened sense of things. 31 00:04:55,812 --> 00:04:59,426 The cold air in his lungs. 32 00:04:59,426 --> 00:05:02,918 Winds swept pines, moving against the coming night. 33 00:05:10,733 --> 00:05:13,224 His hands are steady. 34 00:05:13,224 --> 00:05:17,925 His form... perfect. 35 00:05:43,705 --> 00:05:48,481 And so the boy, given up for dead, returns to his people. 36 00:05:48,481 --> 00:05:52,936 To sacred Sparta, a king. Our king! 37 00:05:52,936 --> 00:05:55,020 Leonidas! 38 00:06:01,345 --> 00:06:05,620 It's been more than 30 years since the wolf and the winter cold. 39 00:06:06,657 --> 00:06:10,522 Now, as then, a beast approaches. 40 00:06:10,996 --> 00:06:15,591 Patient and confident, savoring the meal to come. 41 00:06:16,515 --> 00:06:22,094 This beast is made of men and horses, swords and spears. 42 00:06:22,928 --> 00:06:25,706 An army of slaves, vast beyond imagining, 43 00:06:25,706 --> 00:06:28,393 ready to devour tiny Greece. 44 00:06:28,393 --> 00:06:34,101 Ready to snuff out the world's one hope for reason and justice. 45 00:06:36,013 --> 00:06:38,847 A beast approaches. 46 00:06:41,411 --> 00:06:46,546 It was King Leonidas himself who provoked it. 47 00:06:48,952 --> 00:06:55,995 Subtitled by Mihai 48 00:06:56,663 --> 00:07:02,727 300- Heroes of Thermopylae 49 00:08:05,875 --> 00:08:10,762 My father taught me that fear is always a constant. 50 00:08:10,762 --> 00:08:12,891 By accepting it, 51 00:08:12,891 --> 00:08:14,361 it makes you stronger. 52 00:08:14,361 --> 00:08:15,733 My queen. 53 00:08:15,733 --> 00:08:18,390 The Persian emissary awaits Leonidas. 54 00:08:21,152 --> 00:08:26,917 In the end, the Spartan's true strength is the warrior next to him. 55 00:08:27,241 --> 00:08:31,097 So give respect and honor to him. It will be returned to you. 56 00:08:32,165 --> 00:08:36,051 First, you fight with your head. 57 00:08:36,051 --> 00:08:38,391 Then you fight with your heart. 58 00:08:39,799 --> 00:08:41,391 What is it? 59 00:08:41,391 --> 00:08:44,650 It's the Persian messenger. He awaits you. 60 00:08:45,917 --> 00:08:47,384 Do not forget today's lesson. 61 00:08:47,384 --> 00:08:50,440 - Respect and honour. - Respect and honour. 62 00:09:05,627 --> 00:09:09,248 Councilman Theron, you found yourself needed for once. 63 00:09:11,168 --> 00:09:14,364 My king and queen, I was just entertaining your guests. 64 00:09:14,364 --> 00:09:16,547 I'm sure. 65 00:09:16,955 --> 00:09:19,736 Before you speak, Persian, know that in Sparta 66 00:09:19,736 --> 00:09:23,228 everyone, even a King's messenger, is held accountable 67 00:09:23,228 --> 00:09:25,533 for the words of his voice. 68 00:09:25,533 --> 00:09:29,446 Now, what message do you bring? 69 00:09:29,754 --> 00:09:33,185 Earth and water. 70 00:09:34,496 --> 00:09:38,880 You rode all the way from Persia for earth and water? 71 00:09:39,654 --> 00:09:43,995 Do not be coy or stupid, Persian. You can afford neither in Sparta. 72 00:09:43,995 --> 00:09:46,717 What makes this woman think she can speak amongst men? 73 00:09:46,717 --> 00:09:50,314 Because only Spartan women give birth to real men. 74 00:09:51,003 --> 00:09:55,294 Let us walk to cool our tongues. 75 00:09:57,318 --> 00:10:00,004 If you value your lives over your complete annihilation, 76 00:10:00,004 --> 00:10:02,463 listen carefully, Leonidas. 77 00:10:02,463 --> 00:10:06,298 Xerxes conquers and controls everything he rests his eyes upon. 78 00:10:07,318 --> 00:10:10,563 He leads an army so massive it shakes the ground with its march. 79 00:10:10,563 --> 00:10:13,434 So vast it drinks the rivers dry. 80 00:10:13,434 --> 00:10:16,820 All the God-King Xerxes requires is this. 81 00:10:16,820 --> 00:10:20,231 A simple offering of earth and water. 82 00:10:20,231 --> 00:10:25,001 A token of Sparta's submission to the will of Xerxes. 83 00:10:35,228 --> 00:10:38,852 Submission? 84 00:10:39,591 --> 00:10:42,119 Well, that's a bit of a problem. 85 00:10:42,119 --> 00:10:47,133 See, rumor has it the Athenians have already turned you down. 86 00:10:47,133 --> 00:10:52,484 And if those philosophers and boy-lovers have found that kind of nerve... 87 00:10:52,484 --> 00:10:54,021 We must be diplomatic. 88 00:10:54,021 --> 00:10:57,599 And of course, Spartans... 89 00:10:57,599 --> 00:10:59,798 ...have their reputation to consider. 90 00:10:59,798 --> 00:11:03,892 Choose your next words carefully, Leonidas. 91 00:11:03,892 --> 00:11:07,714 They may be your last as king. 92 00:11:47,291 --> 00:11:50,961 Earth and water. 93 00:11:55,904 --> 00:11:57,997 Madman. You're a madman. 94 00:11:57,997 --> 00:12:02,681 Earth and water. You'll find plenty of both down there. 95 00:12:02,681 --> 00:12:06,406 No man, Persian or Greek... No man threatens a messenger. 96 00:12:06,406 --> 00:12:11,411 You bring your crowns and heads of conquered kings to my city steps. 97 00:12:11,411 --> 00:12:13,725 You insult my queen. 98 00:12:13,725 --> 00:12:17,581 You threaten my people with slavery and death. 99 00:12:17,581 --> 00:12:20,787 Oh, I've chosen my words carefully, Persian. 100 00:12:20,787 --> 00:12:22,770 Perhaps you should have done the same. 101 00:12:22,770 --> 00:12:26,932 This is blasphemy. This is madness. 102 00:12:44,139 --> 00:12:46,755 Madness? 103 00:12:46,755 --> 00:12:50,068 This is Sparta! 104 00:14:15,423 --> 00:14:17,574 Welcome, Leonidas. 105 00:14:18,376 --> 00:14:21,406 We have been expecting you. 106 00:14:28,148 --> 00:14:32,809 The ephors. Priests to the old gods. 107 00:14:33,846 --> 00:14:38,367 Inbred swine, more creature than man. 108 00:14:39,508 --> 00:14:44,684 Creatures whom even Leonidas must bribe and beg. 109 00:14:45,958 --> 00:14:50,430 No Spartan king has gone to war without the ephors' blessing. 110 00:14:52,306 --> 00:14:56,310 The Persians claim their forces number in the milions. 111 00:14:57,100 --> 00:14:59,986 I hope, for our sake, they exaggerate. 112 00:15:00,924 --> 00:15:05,307 But there's no question we face the most masive army ever assembled. 113 00:15:05,307 --> 00:15:11,210 Before your plan is heard, what do you offer? 114 00:15:20,760 --> 00:15:24,760 We will use our superior fighting skills, 115 00:15:24,760 --> 00:15:29,066 and the terrain of Greece itself to destroy them. 116 00:15:29,066 --> 00:15:31,645 We will march north, to the coast. 117 00:15:31,645 --> 00:15:35,205 - We'll make sure... - It is august, Leonidas. 118 00:15:35,205 --> 00:15:37,550 The full moon approaches. 119 00:15:37,550 --> 00:15:40,800 Tha sacred and ancient festival. 120 00:15:40,800 --> 00:15:45,121 Sparta wages no war at the time of the Carneia. 121 00:15:45,121 --> 00:15:47,284 Sparta will burn! 122 00:15:47,284 --> 00:15:48,986 Our men will die armed 123 00:15:48,986 --> 00:15:52,917 and your women and children will be slaves or worse. 124 00:15:54,741 --> 00:15:59,983 Now, we will block the Persian coastal assault, 125 00:15:59,983 --> 00:16:02,486 by rebuilding the great Phocian wall. 126 00:16:02,486 --> 00:16:05,430 From now, we will funnel them into the mountain pass 127 00:16:05,430 --> 00:16:07,517 we call The Hot Gates. 128 00:16:07,517 --> 00:16:11,962 Now, in that narrow corridor, their numbers will count for nothing. 129 00:16:11,962 --> 00:16:18,291 Wave after wave of Persian attack would smash against Spartan shields. 130 00:16:19,237 --> 00:16:23,654 Xerxes' losses will be so great, his men so demoralized 131 00:16:23,654 --> 00:16:27,782 he will have no choice but to abandon his campaign. 132 00:16:27,782 --> 00:16:31,745 We must consult the Oracle. 133 00:16:31,745 --> 00:16:34,259 Trust the gods, Leonidas. 134 00:16:34,259 --> 00:16:37,945 I'd prefer you trusted your reason. 135 00:16:37,945 --> 00:16:43,859 Your blasphemies have cost us quite enough already. 136 00:16:45,075 --> 00:16:49,694 Don't compound them. 137 00:16:50,460 --> 00:16:55,585 We will consult the Oracle. 138 00:16:57,437 --> 00:17:00,450 Diseased old mystics. 139 00:17:00,874 --> 00:17:02,510 Worthless remnants of the time 140 00:17:02,510 --> 00:17:05,383 before Sparta's ascent from darkness. 141 00:17:05,776 --> 00:17:08,768 Remnants of a senseless tradition. 142 00:17:09,265 --> 00:17:13,772 A tradition even Leonidas cannot defy. 143 00:17:13,772 --> 00:17:18,433 For he must respect the word of the ephors. 144 00:17:18,433 --> 00:17:20,879 That is the law. 145 00:17:22,969 --> 00:17:26,526 And no Spartan, subject or citizen, 146 00:17:26,526 --> 00:17:31,970 man or woman, slave or king is above the law. 147 00:18:06,842 --> 00:18:11,118 The ephors choose only the most beautiful Spartan girls 148 00:18:11,118 --> 00:18:13,801 to live amongst them as oracles. 149 00:18:13,801 --> 00:18:16,971 Their beauty is their curse. 150 00:18:16,971 --> 00:18:21,167 For the old wretches have the needs of men... 151 00:18:22,232 --> 00:18:25,448 ...and souls as black as hell. 152 00:18:29,228 --> 00:18:31,784 Pray to the winds. 153 00:18:35,109 --> 00:18:37,887 Sparta will fall. 154 00:18:40,349 --> 00:18:43,507 All Greece will fall. 155 00:18:45,954 --> 00:18:49,246 Trust not in men. 156 00:18:51,684 --> 00:18:54,265 Honor the gods. 157 00:18:58,672 --> 00:19:02,011 Honor the Carneia. 158 00:19:04,209 --> 00:19:07,659 The king's climb down is harder. 159 00:19:07,659 --> 00:19:10,610 Pompous, inbred swine. 160 00:19:10,964 --> 00:19:13,810 Worthless, diseased, rotten. 161 00:19:14,424 --> 00:19:16,241 Corrupt. 162 00:19:19,816 --> 00:19:22,886 Truly you're in the God King's favor now. 163 00:19:23,984 --> 00:19:26,332 Oh, wise and holy men. 164 00:19:26,332 --> 00:19:27,759 Yes. 165 00:19:27,759 --> 00:19:32,574 And when Sparta burns, you shall bathe in gold. 166 00:19:33,075 --> 00:19:37,449 Fresh oracles shall be delivered to you daily, 167 00:19:37,449 --> 00:19:41,982 from every corner of the Empire. 168 00:20:17,261 --> 00:20:20,505 Your lips gonna finish what your fingers have started. 169 00:20:23,867 --> 00:20:26,894 Has the oracle rogued you of your desire as well? 170 00:20:27,875 --> 00:20:31,018 It will take more than the words of a drunken adolescent girl 171 00:20:31,018 --> 00:20:33,339 to rogue me of my desire for you. 172 00:20:37,026 --> 00:20:39,240 Then why is it distant? 173 00:20:41,345 --> 00:20:45,049 Because it seems now I'am a... 174 00:20:45,049 --> 00:20:49,915 ...slave and captive of luxurious old men. 175 00:20:49,915 --> 00:20:53,434 The oracle's words can set fire to all that I love. 176 00:20:53,434 --> 00:20:55,349 So that is why my king loses sleep 177 00:20:55,349 --> 00:20:57,872 and is forced from the warmth of his bed? 178 00:21:00,116 --> 00:21:01,345 There's only one woman's words 179 00:21:01,345 --> 00:21:03,998 that should affect the mood of my husband. 180 00:21:05,199 --> 00:21:07,505 Those are mine. 181 00:21:10,920 --> 00:21:13,481 Then what must a king do to save his world 182 00:21:13,481 --> 00:21:18,623 when the very laws he has sworn to protect force him to do nothing. 183 00:21:20,890 --> 00:21:24,004 It is not a question of what a Spartan citizen should do, 184 00:21:24,004 --> 00:21:27,123 nor a husband, nor a king. 185 00:21:28,013 --> 00:21:31,308 Instead ask yourself, my dearest love: 186 00:21:31,933 --> 00:21:34,873 What should a free man do? 187 00:22:39,752 --> 00:22:43,114 - This is all of them? - As you ordered. 300. 188 00:22:44,807 --> 00:22:47,738 All with born sons to carry on their name. 189 00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:02,850 We are with you, sire. For Sparta, for freedom. 190 00:23:02,850 --> 00:23:05,499 To the death. 191 00:23:15,711 --> 00:23:17,580 He is your son. 192 00:23:18,144 --> 00:23:21,211 He is too young to have felt a woman's warmth. 193 00:23:21,211 --> 00:23:22,960 I have others to replace him. 194 00:23:22,960 --> 00:23:25,441 Astinos is as brave and ready as any. 195 00:23:25,441 --> 00:23:29,441 No younger than we were the first time you stood next to me in battle. 196 00:23:33,374 --> 00:23:35,065 You are a good friend. 197 00:23:35,555 --> 00:23:38,863 But a better captain... There is none. 198 00:23:44,740 --> 00:23:46,332 My good king. 199 00:23:47,628 --> 00:23:51,071 My good king, the oracle has spoken. 200 00:23:51,071 --> 00:23:53,830 The ephors have spoken. There must be no march. 201 00:23:53,830 --> 00:23:55,877 It is the law, my lord. 202 00:23:55,877 --> 00:23:57,898 The Spartan army must not go to war. 203 00:23:57,898 --> 00:23:59,394 Nor shall it. 204 00:24:00,850 --> 00:24:02,899 I've issued no such orders. 205 00:24:02,899 --> 00:24:06,527 I'm here just taking a stroll, stretching my legs. 206 00:24:06,527 --> 00:24:11,157 These 300 men are my personal bodyguard. 207 00:24:12,028 --> 00:24:16,162 - Our army will stay in Sparta. - Where will you go? 208 00:24:19,148 --> 00:24:21,432 I hadn't really thought about it, but I... 209 00:24:22,157 --> 00:24:27,290 ...now that you ask, I suppose I'll head north. 210 00:24:28,699 --> 00:24:31,703 The Hot Gates. 211 00:24:32,514 --> 00:24:33,865 Move out! 212 00:24:35,067 --> 00:24:37,016 Move out! 213 00:24:38,327 --> 00:24:40,179 What shall we do? 214 00:24:41,397 --> 00:24:45,150 - What can we do? - What can you do? 215 00:24:47,935 --> 00:24:52,361 Sparta will need sons. 216 00:25:39,775 --> 00:25:41,538 Spartan! 217 00:25:50,683 --> 00:25:52,354 Yes, my lady? 218 00:26:08,051 --> 00:26:12,600 Come back with your shield or on it. 219 00:26:14,169 --> 00:26:15,814 Yes, my lady. 220 00:26:24,180 --> 00:26:26,216 Goodbye, my love. 221 00:26:27,112 --> 00:26:29,083 He doesn't say it. 222 00:26:29,835 --> 00:26:33,859 There's no room for softness, not in Sparta. 223 00:26:34,471 --> 00:26:37,240 No place for weakness. 224 00:26:40,636 --> 00:26:44,705 Only the hard and strong may call themselves Spartans. 225 00:26:45,764 --> 00:26:49,749 Only the hard, only the strong. 226 00:27:18,678 --> 00:27:20,381 We march. 227 00:27:21,266 --> 00:27:26,224 For our lands, for our families, for our freedoms. 228 00:27:27,540 --> 00:27:29,486 We march. 229 00:27:31,441 --> 00:27:35,192 Daxos, what a pleasant surprise. 230 00:27:35,192 --> 00:27:37,150 This morning is full of surprises, Leonidas. 231 00:27:37,150 --> 00:27:39,422 We've been tricked. Can't be more than a few hundred. 232 00:27:39,422 --> 00:27:41,673 - This is a surprise. - Silence! 233 00:27:44,119 --> 00:27:46,890 We heard Sparta was on the warpath. 234 00:27:46,890 --> 00:27:48,974 We were eager to join forces. 235 00:27:48,974 --> 00:27:53,455 If it is blood you seek, you're welcome to join us. 236 00:27:53,455 --> 00:27:56,545 But you bring only this handful of soldiers against Xerxes? 237 00:27:56,860 --> 00:28:00,415 I see I was wrong to expect Sparta's commitment to at least match our own. 238 00:28:01,658 --> 00:28:03,047 Doesn't it? 239 00:28:05,029 --> 00:28:06,743 You there. 240 00:28:07,270 --> 00:28:11,234 - What is your profession? - I'm a potter, sir. 241 00:28:12,235 --> 00:28:16,095 And you, Arcadian, what is your profession? 242 00:28:16,359 --> 00:28:18,929 - Sculptor, sir. - Sculptor. 243 00:28:20,034 --> 00:28:21,889 - And you? - Blacksmith. 244 00:28:26,777 --> 00:28:30,351 Spartans, what is your profession? 245 00:28:37,367 --> 00:28:38,773 See, old friend? 246 00:28:39,439 --> 00:28:41,850 I brought more soldiers than you did. 247 00:28:52,466 --> 00:28:53,889 No sleep tonight. 248 00:28:55,407 --> 00:28:56,567 Not for the king. 249 00:28:57,978 --> 00:28:59,952 All his forty years have been a straight road 250 00:28:59,952 --> 00:29:02,684 to this one gleaming moment in destiny. 251 00:29:03,660 --> 00:29:06,866 This one radiant clash of shield and spear, 252 00:29:06,866 --> 00:29:09,358 sword and boone and flesh and blood. 253 00:29:12,345 --> 00:29:18,143 His only regret is that he has so few to sacrifice. 254 00:29:38,826 --> 00:29:40,266 We're being followed. 255 00:29:46,338 --> 00:29:48,204 It has followed us since Sparta. 256 00:29:53,238 --> 00:29:55,447 My king, look! 257 00:30:17,539 --> 00:30:18,649 What happened here? 258 00:30:19,399 --> 00:30:20,572 Where are all the people? 259 00:30:21,385 --> 00:30:22,808 Persians. 260 00:30:23,811 --> 00:30:25,190 I put their number around 20. 261 00:30:27,762 --> 00:30:29,382 Scouted path. 262 00:30:31,989 --> 00:30:34,134 But these footprints. 263 00:30:45,739 --> 00:30:46,523 Leonidas. 264 00:31:01,084 --> 00:31:02,044 Child. 265 00:31:35,344 --> 00:31:37,573 It's quiet now. 266 00:31:38,542 --> 00:31:44,905 They came with mist from the blackness. 267 00:31:46,311 --> 00:31:50,149 With their claws and fangs they grabbed us. 268 00:31:51,963 --> 00:31:57,108 Everyone... but me. 269 00:32:09,521 --> 00:32:14,009 The villagers... They found them. 270 00:32:24,645 --> 00:32:26,589 Have the gods no mercy? 271 00:32:28,794 --> 00:32:29,594 We are doomed. 272 00:32:30,775 --> 00:32:32,639 Quiet yourself. 273 00:32:37,177 --> 00:32:39,160 The child speaks of the Persian ghosts. 274 00:32:39,953 --> 00:32:41,107 Known from the ancient times. 275 00:32:43,334 --> 00:32:44,992 They are the hunters of men souls. 276 00:32:46,874 --> 00:32:48,656 They cannot be killed or defeated. 277 00:32:50,266 --> 00:32:51,365 Not this darkness. 278 00:32:52,110 --> 00:32:53,498 Not these Immortals. 279 00:32:55,960 --> 00:32:57,707 Immortals? 280 00:32:58,860 --> 00:33:02,110 We'll put their name to the test. 281 00:33:23,483 --> 00:33:26,378 Into the Hot Gates we march. 282 00:33:26,616 --> 00:33:29,927 Into that narrow corridor we march. 283 00:33:29,927 --> 00:33:32,908 Where Xerxes' numbers count for nothing. 284 00:33:33,972 --> 00:33:37,417 Spartans, citizen soldiers, freed slaves. 285 00:33:37,417 --> 00:33:39,828 Brave Greeks all. 286 00:33:40,438 --> 00:33:43,691 Brothers, fathers, sons. 287 00:33:43,942 --> 00:33:45,283 We march. 288 00:33:47,005 --> 00:33:50,859 For honor's sake, for duty's sake, for glory's sake, we march. 289 00:33:50,859 --> 00:33:52,018 Look! 290 00:33:52,267 --> 00:33:53,542 Persians. 291 00:33:59,204 --> 00:34:02,550 Into hell's mouth, we march. 292 00:34:12,156 --> 00:34:14,550 That's our seas, motherless dogs, 293 00:34:14,550 --> 00:34:17,185 as they're embraced by the loving arms of Greece itself. 294 00:34:17,642 --> 00:34:18,923 Come. 295 00:34:21,019 --> 00:34:22,452 True. 296 00:34:27,254 --> 00:34:29,420 It does look like rain. 297 00:34:32,688 --> 00:34:35,864 Zeus stabs the skies with thunderbolts. 298 00:34:36,158 --> 00:34:40,317 And batters the Persian ships with hurricane wind. 299 00:34:41,698 --> 00:34:43,893 Glorious. 300 00:34:56,275 --> 00:34:59,378 Only one amongst us keeps his Spartan reserve. 301 00:35:05,102 --> 00:35:06,800 Only he. 302 00:35:07,020 --> 00:35:09,746 Only our king. 303 00:35:27,097 --> 00:35:28,445 My queen. 304 00:35:34,675 --> 00:35:38,700 My queen, the courtyard is no fitting place for a married woman. 305 00:35:38,927 --> 00:35:42,970 I'm afraid gossip and protocol are the least of my worries now, councilman. 306 00:35:45,796 --> 00:35:47,668 Such secrecy needed. 307 00:35:47,668 --> 00:35:49,986 How am I to trust beyond the walls of my own home? 308 00:35:50,409 --> 00:35:54,020 Even here, Theron has eyes and ears which fuel Sparta with doubt and fear. 309 00:35:54,315 --> 00:35:57,806 You speak as if all Sparta conspires against you. 310 00:35:58,228 --> 00:36:00,886 I wish they were only against me. 311 00:36:03,122 --> 00:36:06,414 Many on our council would vote to give all we have 312 00:36:06,414 --> 00:36:08,527 and follow Leonidas. 313 00:36:08,794 --> 00:36:11,305 But you must show them favor. 314 00:36:13,028 --> 00:36:15,580 And you can arrange me to speak to the council? 315 00:36:15,580 --> 00:36:17,842 If it is reason they want, I will let them know. 316 00:36:18,418 --> 00:36:20,601 Know what, my queen? 317 00:36:20,601 --> 00:36:22,970 Freedom isn't free at all. 318 00:36:22,970 --> 00:36:25,226 That it comes with the highest of costs. 319 00:36:25,226 --> 00:36:27,148 The cost of blood. 320 00:36:28,652 --> 00:36:31,503 I will do my best to gather our council 321 00:36:31,818 --> 00:36:35,249 and its chambers shall be filled with your voice. 322 00:36:35,922 --> 00:36:37,768 - I'm in your debt. - Nope. 323 00:36:38,063 --> 00:36:41,391 Leonidas is my king as well as yours. 324 00:37:07,086 --> 00:37:09,069 I saw those ships smash on the rocks. 325 00:37:10,055 --> 00:37:11,536 How can this be? 326 00:37:11,536 --> 00:37:15,107 We saw but a fraction of the monster that is Xerxes' army. 327 00:37:15,508 --> 00:37:17,436 There can be no victory here. 328 00:37:21,671 --> 00:37:23,331 Why do you smile? 329 00:37:25,249 --> 00:37:30,331 Arcadian, I've fought countless times 330 00:37:30,331 --> 00:37:32,930 yet I've never met an adversary that could offer me 331 00:37:32,930 --> 00:37:36,086 what we Spartans call a beautiful death. 332 00:37:36,605 --> 00:37:38,038 I can only hope, 333 00:37:38,038 --> 00:37:41,229 with all the world's warriors gathered against us, 334 00:37:41,229 --> 00:37:45,364 there might be one down there who's up to the task. 335 00:37:56,365 --> 00:37:58,105 Move! 336 00:37:59,796 --> 00:38:01,707 Keep going, you dogs. 337 00:38:10,388 --> 00:38:12,047 Move! 338 00:38:14,003 --> 00:38:16,073 Forward I say. 339 00:38:18,989 --> 00:38:20,722 Stop here! 340 00:38:21,059 --> 00:38:22,584 Who commands here? 341 00:38:25,724 --> 00:38:31,456 I am the emissary to the ruler of all the world. 342 00:38:31,456 --> 00:38:33,847 The god of gods. 343 00:38:33,847 --> 00:38:35,789 King of kings. 344 00:38:35,789 --> 00:38:41,548 And by that authority, I demand that someone show me your commander. 345 00:38:44,871 --> 00:38:50,873 Listen. Do you think the paltry dozen you slew scares us? 346 00:38:50,873 --> 00:38:55,044 These hills swarm with our scouts. 347 00:38:55,044 --> 00:38:58,231 And do you think your pathetic wall 348 00:38:58,231 --> 00:39:00,852 will do anything except fall 349 00:39:00,852 --> 00:39:05,163 like a heap of dry leaves in the face... 350 00:39:17,718 --> 00:39:20,572 Our ancestors built this wall, 351 00:39:20,572 --> 00:39:24,636 using ancient stones from the bosom of Greece herself. 352 00:39:25,170 --> 00:39:27,679 And with a little Spartan help, 353 00:39:27,679 --> 00:39:30,424 your Persian scouts supplied the mortar. 354 00:39:30,424 --> 00:39:35,157 You will pay for your barbarism. 355 00:39:53,938 --> 00:39:55,079 My arm! 356 00:39:57,806 --> 00:40:00,151 It's not yours anymore. 357 00:40:00,151 --> 00:40:04,679 Go now. Run along and tell your Xerxes he faces free men here. 358 00:40:04,679 --> 00:40:08,231 Not slaves. Do it quickly. 359 00:40:08,231 --> 00:40:11,386 Before we decide to make our wall just a little bit bigger. 360 00:40:11,612 --> 00:40:16,135 No, not slaves. 361 00:40:17,559 --> 00:40:21,162 Your women will be slaves. 362 00:40:21,162 --> 00:40:25,463 Your sons, your daughters, your elders 363 00:40:25,463 --> 00:40:28,784 will be slaves, but not you. 364 00:40:29,959 --> 00:40:34,511 By noon this day, you will be dead men. 365 00:40:35,120 --> 00:40:40,477 A thousand nations of the Persian Empire descend upon you. 366 00:40:41,586 --> 00:40:45,214 Our arrows will blot out the sun. 367 00:40:46,903 --> 00:40:49,357 Then we will fight in the shade. 368 00:40:51,160 --> 00:40:52,605 The wall is solid. 369 00:40:53,118 --> 00:40:55,857 It'll do the job of funneling the Persians into the Hot Gates. 370 00:40:56,496 --> 00:40:59,431 Captain, have the men found any route through the hills to our back? 371 00:40:59,431 --> 00:41:01,248 None, sire. 372 00:41:01,928 --> 00:41:03,868 There is such a route, good king. 373 00:41:04,150 --> 00:41:06,092 Just past that western ridge. 374 00:41:06,539 --> 00:41:08,291 It's an old goat path. 375 00:41:08,291 --> 00:41:10,823 The Persians could use it to outflank us. 376 00:41:11,395 --> 00:41:13,645 Not one step closer. 377 00:41:14,340 --> 00:41:15,390 Monster! 378 00:41:16,336 --> 00:41:20,259 Wise king, I humbly request an audience. 379 00:41:20,259 --> 00:41:21,885 I'll skewer you where you stand. 380 00:41:21,885 --> 00:41:24,838 I gave no such order. 381 00:41:34,401 --> 00:41:37,918 Forgive the captain. He's a good soldier. 382 00:41:38,284 --> 00:41:40,939 But a bit short on manners. 383 00:41:41,160 --> 00:41:44,275 There is nothing to forgive, brave king. 384 00:41:44,275 --> 00:41:45,667 I know what I look like. 385 00:41:45,667 --> 00:41:47,601 You wear the crimson of a Spartan. 386 00:41:47,986 --> 00:41:53,057 I am Ephialtes, born of Sparta. 387 00:41:54,265 --> 00:41:58,447 My mother's love led my parents to flee Sparta 388 00:41:58,447 --> 00:42:00,432 lest I be discarded. 389 00:42:00,815 --> 00:42:02,655 But your shield? 390 00:42:02,655 --> 00:42:04,171 And armor? 391 00:42:04,502 --> 00:42:06,435 My father's, sir. 392 00:42:07,572 --> 00:42:10,094 I beg you, bold king, 393 00:42:10,302 --> 00:42:14,419 to permit me to redeem my father's name 394 00:42:14,419 --> 00:42:17,027 by serving you in combat. 395 00:42:17,027 --> 00:42:20,259 My father trained me to feel no fear. 396 00:42:20,259 --> 00:42:24,299 To make spear and shield and sword as much a part of me 397 00:42:24,299 --> 00:42:26,176 as my own beating heart. 398 00:42:26,176 --> 00:42:29,460 I will earn my father's armor, noble king, 399 00:42:29,665 --> 00:42:32,130 by serving you in the battle. 400 00:42:37,110 --> 00:42:38,683 Fine thrust. 401 00:42:39,253 --> 00:42:41,771 I will kill many Persians. 402 00:42:46,815 --> 00:42:49,571 - Raise your shield. - Sire? 403 00:42:49,807 --> 00:42:52,189 Raise your shield as high as you can. 404 00:42:59,467 --> 00:43:03,218 Your father should have told you how our phalanx works. 405 00:43:03,218 --> 00:43:08,231 We fight as a single, impenetrable unit. 406 00:43:08,231 --> 00:43:11,315 That is the source of our strength. 407 00:43:11,622 --> 00:43:15,147 Each Spartan protects the man to his left, 408 00:43:15,506 --> 00:43:18,906 from thigh to neck, with his shield. 409 00:43:19,290 --> 00:43:23,928 A single weakspot and the phalanx shatters. 410 00:43:25,125 --> 00:43:29,016 From thigh to neck, Ephialtes. 411 00:43:30,335 --> 00:43:32,541 I am sorry, my friend. 412 00:43:32,541 --> 00:43:35,047 But not all of us are made to be soldiers. 413 00:43:35,047 --> 00:43:35,726 But I... 414 00:43:35,726 --> 00:43:37,874 If you want to help at a Spartan victory... 415 00:43:37,874 --> 00:43:39,943 - Yes? - Clear the battlefield of the dead. 416 00:43:39,943 --> 00:43:42,181 Tend to wounded, bring them water. 417 00:43:42,388 --> 00:43:44,003 Why? 418 00:43:44,003 --> 00:43:48,852 But as for the fight itself, I cannot use you. 419 00:43:59,856 --> 00:44:04,434 Mother, father, you were wrong. 420 00:44:07,081 --> 00:44:10,629 You are wrong, Leonidas. 421 00:44:11,428 --> 00:44:13,015 You are wrong. 422 00:44:14,184 --> 00:44:16,613 Dispatch the Phocians to the goat path. 423 00:44:16,874 --> 00:44:20,755 Pray to the gods nobody tells the Persians about it. 424 00:44:27,000 --> 00:44:28,035 Earthquake. 425 00:44:28,909 --> 00:44:30,532 No, Captain. 426 00:44:31,458 --> 00:44:34,007 Battle formations. 427 00:44:57,726 --> 00:45:00,118 This is where we hold them. 428 00:45:00,922 --> 00:45:03,330 This is where we fight. 429 00:45:03,865 --> 00:45:06,176 This is where they die! 430 00:45:06,176 --> 00:45:08,894 On these shields, boys! 431 00:45:11,155 --> 00:45:13,623 Remember this day, men, 432 00:45:13,623 --> 00:45:17,125 for it will be yours for all time. 433 00:45:28,780 --> 00:45:33,234 Spartans, lay down your weapons! 434 00:45:49,484 --> 00:45:50,789 Persians! 435 00:45:52,441 --> 00:45:54,485 Come and get them! 436 00:46:16,056 --> 00:46:17,211 Hold! 437 00:46:20,280 --> 00:46:22,312 Give them nothing. 438 00:46:22,312 --> 00:46:26,041 But take from them everything. 439 00:46:27,746 --> 00:46:29,020 Stay ready. 440 00:46:45,350 --> 00:46:47,736 That's the best you can do? 441 00:46:50,389 --> 00:46:52,947 Push! 442 00:47:02,423 --> 00:47:03,823 Now! 443 00:47:15,522 --> 00:47:16,882 Push! 444 00:48:00,595 --> 00:48:02,615 No prisoners! 445 00:48:03,447 --> 00:48:05,401 No mercy! 446 00:49:24,644 --> 00:49:26,014 They look thirsty. 447 00:49:27,747 --> 00:49:30,370 Well, let's give them something to drink. 448 00:49:33,732 --> 00:49:35,957 To the cliffs. 449 00:50:00,032 --> 00:50:01,512 Hold! 450 00:50:04,006 --> 00:50:06,004 A hell of a good start! 451 00:50:28,948 --> 00:50:31,038 Tuck tail! 452 00:50:37,038 --> 00:50:38,855 Persian cowards. 453 00:50:46,465 --> 00:50:48,276 What the hell are you laughing at? 454 00:50:48,283 --> 00:50:49,950 We had to say it. 455 00:50:49,963 --> 00:50:53,306 - What? - We fight in the shade. 456 00:51:07,313 --> 00:51:08,567 Recover. 457 00:51:32,501 --> 00:51:36,240 Today, no Spartan dies. 458 00:52:00,186 --> 00:52:01,550 Easy, son. 459 00:52:28,022 --> 00:52:29,904 We do what we were trained to do. 460 00:52:29,985 --> 00:52:34,673 What we were bred to do. What we were born to do. 461 00:52:42,077 --> 00:52:44,674 No prisoners, no mercy. 462 00:52:45,348 --> 00:52:47,169 A good start. 463 00:53:56,316 --> 00:53:58,324 I was afraid you might not come. 464 00:53:58,325 --> 00:54:01,764 - I'm sorry, my son is... - Is doing what children do best. 465 00:54:01,765 --> 00:54:04,297 Please don't apologize. 466 00:54:06,200 --> 00:54:08,099 Your son starts the agoge next year. 467 00:54:08,746 --> 00:54:13,148 That is always a difficult time for a Spartan mother. 468 00:54:13,582 --> 00:54:17,332 Yes, it will be hard but also necessary. 469 00:54:20,897 --> 00:54:25,259 You will speak before the council in two days time. 470 00:54:26,715 --> 00:54:29,260 My husband does not have two days. 471 00:54:29,411 --> 00:54:31,920 Think of the two days as a gift. 472 00:54:33,402 --> 00:54:34,783 It's no secret. 473 00:54:35,543 --> 00:54:41,212 Theron wants what you control. It's his voice you must silence. 474 00:54:41,583 --> 00:54:46,171 Make him your ally and you will have your victory. 475 00:54:47,199 --> 00:54:48,829 Thank you. 476 00:54:49,607 --> 00:54:52,042 You are wise as you are kind. 477 00:55:18,580 --> 00:55:20,110 Ah, there's your mother. 478 00:55:27,264 --> 00:55:29,858 You should keep a better eye on him if he is to be king one day. 479 00:55:30,790 --> 00:55:32,788 It would be unfortunate if anything were to happen to him. 480 00:55:34,713 --> 00:55:36,796 Or to his beautiful mother. 481 00:55:57,593 --> 00:56:02,394 Our Greek comrades are begging for a crack at the Persians, sire. 482 00:56:03,036 --> 00:56:07,265 Good. I have something I think they can handle. 483 00:56:07,969 --> 00:56:09,981 Tell Daxos I want him 484 00:56:09,981 --> 00:56:12,373 and 20 of his best, eager, sober, 485 00:56:12,593 --> 00:56:14,365 ready for the next job. 486 00:56:14,365 --> 00:56:16,126 King Leonidas! 487 00:56:18,823 --> 00:56:22,162 - Stelios, catch your breath, boy. - Yes, my lord. 488 00:56:23,322 --> 00:56:25,513 The Persians are approaching. 489 00:56:26,776 --> 00:56:29,899 A small contingent. Too small for an attack. 490 00:56:34,452 --> 00:56:37,385 Captain, I'll leave you in charge. 491 00:56:37,385 --> 00:56:39,685 - But, sire... - Relax, old friend. 492 00:56:39,717 --> 00:56:43,300 If they assasinate me, all of Sparta goes to war. 493 00:56:45,211 --> 00:56:47,454 Pray they're that stupid. 494 00:56:48,765 --> 00:56:52,598 Pray... we're that lucky. 495 00:56:56,330 --> 00:56:57,734 Besides... 496 00:57:00,445 --> 00:57:03,136 ...there's no reason we can't be civil. 497 00:57:04,068 --> 00:57:05,459 Is there? 498 00:57:07,069 --> 00:57:08,772 None, sire.