THIS.... IS.... SPARTA!!!

One of the biggest surprise hits at the movie theater this past decade, has been the film 300. This story, based on a comic book, which was itself based on the historical last stand of three hundred Spartan warriors against the might Persian army, seemed to come out of nowhere and conquer the box office. Striking a mythic tone, the film resonated with young and old alike and inspired many to seek out anything related to the film. Collectors began to buy up many replica items from the film, such as Spartan helmets and the 300 Sword.

The market for movie collectibles is a large one, and is growing all the time as new movie properties get released and fire the public's imagination. 300 was different in that it was not a work of fiction, as with the Lord of the Rings or the Harry Potter franchises. Even though he film was heavily stylized, the costumes and weapons still evoke the essence and wonder of the time period. The 300 Sword in particular was fashioned more after the very recognizable style of 300 comic creator, Frank Miller, than after any historical accuracy. This only serves to make the setting and weaponry more unique, however. Anyone can make replicas of historical weapons, but these designs are better suited to evoking the Spartan spirit.

Why are people so excited about owning costumes and replicas from popular movies? Cynics may say that is all because of clever hype and marketing on the part of the movie studios. While this may play a small part, one only has to look at the many movies with similar hype that have failed to realize that this is not the major reason. Only the best stories inspire such fierce devotion. They seem to take on a life of their own, far beyond the power of any one person or studio. In the case of 300, that the story is true helps to connect people to their shared history. If the people of that ancient time could be as brave and fearless in the face of certain death, then perhaps today's people can find the courage to face the problems in their own lives. By holding a 300 Sword in their hands, they connect themselves with their past, and for a brief moment, they too can be a Spartan warrior.

Roman & Greek Swords