3

It's well known that 300 took a number of creative liberties in its visual depictions of characters, and especially that Xerxes looked pretty much nothing like the historical Xerxes. However, movie Xerxes's outfit is very distinctive, with various bangles all over including two large neck rings. While not accurate to Persia, is this outfit based on any real-world culture?

2 Answers 2

3

This might be better suited to the Comic Book stack. This is what the real Xerxes looked like:

https://turtledove.fandom.com/wiki/Xerxes_I_of_Persia?file=XerxesI.jpg

Based on info from this "Behind The Scenes" video, they used Frank Miller's art and just embellished on it for effect.

1
  • 2
    I suppose that just kicks the question down the road to "what did Frank Miller base it on?" Mar 7, 2022 at 15:53
3

You can view in Ruins of Persepolis Xerxes's outfits (below) which have ring and necklace

name of Xerxes I was written in three languages and carved on the entrances, informing everyone that he ordered it to be built

But Xerxes look is inaccurate

physical appearance of Xerxes is also inaccurate-the real Xerxes had a beard and never went near the front line.

I think the multiple rings and chains are more resembled to India tradition

In India, the nose piercing is as much a part of tradition as bangles, a mangalsutra or a bindi.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .