History 101. Comparing facts and fiction in movies Essay

History 101. Comparing facts and fiction in movies - Essay Example Some of the main differences between the original Greek myth and the film is that based from the Greek myths, Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Hera, Aphrodite and Poseidon all played active roles in the Trojan War. In the movie it did not show the gods as existent or actively intervening. The impetus relationship between Paris and Helen making it catalyst for the entire war called the Judgment of Paris is not mentioned. In the movie, it seemed that the Trojan War only lasted for weeks when in fact it consumed 10 years of endless battles. Like any other historical tales and events such as Samson and Delilah or Cleopatra, the woman may be the cause of a man's demise. And if a man is too weak to resist the seductive advances of a woman, an entire nation can suffer same as what has been shown in the movie Troy. The huge army of the Persian Empire is sweeping across the globe, destroying every force that gets in their way. When Persian envoy arrives in Sparta offering King Leonidas power and control over all of Greece if only he will bow down to the wishes of the Persian King, Xerxes, the strong willed leader summons a small army comprised of his empire's best trained fighters and marches to battle. This act however futile is his way of saying that no Spartan King will bow down to foreign invaders. When King Leonidas together with his 300 Spartan men fell to the overpowering Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae, the courageous actions of the noble fighters inspired all of Greece to defend their empire against their Persian adversary and wage the battle that would eventually give rise to the modern concept of democracy. In the actual Battle of Thermopylae, King Leonidas was joined by forces from other Greek city states having some 4,000 to 7,000 strong men under his command. 300 of those are Spartans being his personal bodyguards which was actually depicted in the movie. In the movie it was said that the downfall of King Leonidas is the betrayal Ephialtes of Trachis but in historical facts it is debated that it could be Onetas and Crydallus. One thing that can be learned from the movie is that no matter the odds, a man should know how to defend his people for the generations to come. In the quest to achieve this, only trusted and well-trained soldiers will ensure victory. Although there is strength in number but even a few but with stronger convictions can ensure success in some sense. References: (1) Pressfield, Steven. Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae. New York: Bantam Books. 2005. GLADIATOR The death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the hands of his murderous and ambitious son, Commodus caused great chaos in the entire Roman Empire. One of the Roman army's capable and trusted generals, General Maximus Decimus Meridius is also the Emperor's key advisor. Even to his death, Aurelius decided to appoint Maximus temporary leadership of the empire and the enraged Commodus. He ordered the execution of Maximus and sends off the Praetorian Guards to murder his wife and son. Maximus escapes his execution but was severely injured. He was then captured and enslaved along the out borders of the Roman Empire. However, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiator arena to