Did the Immortals wear masks as in the Film 300?

Answer 1

The Immortals were equipped with a leather and wicker shield, a short spear with an iron point and a counterbalance on the other end, a bow with cane arrows, a quiver for them and a dagger or short sword. The regiment's clothing was not a uniform in the modern sense but consisted of a fairly standardised tiara or soft felt cap, an embroidered long-sleeved tunic, trousers, and a coat of metal. Their usual tactics involved a front rank charge at the enemy while the rear ranks shot arrows to support the assault.

it says nothing about a face mask, however these were not uncommon at that time in history

Answer 2

Immortals Mask

Answer 3

No. In his description of the battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE), the Greek researcher Herodotus mentions a Persian elite corps which he calls the Ten Thousand or the Athanatoi, the 'Immortals'. He describes them as, "a body of picked Persians under the leadership of Hydarnes, the son of Hydarnes. This corps was known as the Immortals, because it was invariably kept up to strength; if a man was killed or fell sick, the vacancy he left was at once filled, so that the total strength of the corps was never less -and never more- than ten thousand. Of all the troops in Persian army, the native Persians were not only the best but also the most magnificently equipped; their dress and armor I have mentioned already, but I should add that every man glittered with the gold which he carried about his person in unlimited quantity. They were accompanied, moreover, by covered carriages full of their women and servants, all elaborately fitted out. Special food, separate from that of the rest of the army, was brought along for them on camels and mules." (History of Herodotus 7.83; tr. Aubrey de Selincourt)

As he indicates, Herodotus has already mentioned the Persian equipment:
The dress of these troops consisted of the tiara, or soft felt cap, embroidered tunic with sleeves, a coat of mail looking like the scales of a fish, and trousers; for arms they carried light wicker shields, quivers slung below them, short spears, powerful bows with cane arrows, and daggers swinging from belts beside the right thigh. (History of Herodotus 7.61; tr. Aubrey de Selincourt)
We also learn from Herodotus that this elite corps played an important during the Battle of Thermopylae. The Greeks had blocked a narrow road along the coast and prevented the Persians from invading Greece. However, the Immortals made a detour and were able to attack the Greeks in the rear. They are also mentioned during the second year of the war, in 479 BCE, when they remain in Greece in the army of the Persian commander Mardonius.

The big problem with this elite corps is that they are unknown from other sources. (There are, of course, other Greek and Latin texts that mention the Immortals, but they have taken this name for the Persian elite troops from Herodotus and simply mean: the royal guard.) There is ample evidence from Persia -e.g., the Persepolis fortification tablets- but it does not mention a corps of Immortals. Probably, Herodotus' informant has confused the name Anûšiya ('companions') with Anauša ('Immortals').

Answer 4

well if you look at ancient greek art you will see that the hoplites wore masks carried short sword and when fighting would be more like pushing at the enemy not fighting the way they do in the movies portrayals of the battle. also it was not just 300 the spartans would have kept their slaves with them when in battle and would use them almost like a human shield. so it most likely was close to a thousand men fighting the persians. if you want you can read more on the spartans and ancient greek warfare which is real interesting. in the manner of fighting.

Answer 5

Don't forget "The Masque of Red Death" from American International pictures. Most of the film contains an extended masquerade ball like you are describing. In the sixties, that would have been the best known movie featuring a masquerade ball.

Answer 6

No they didn't. You might want to check the Immortals out at www.wikipedia.org. They got a potrait of them there. From the way i see it, i think the movie version is not the real potrait of the Immortals. Why would the ancients Persian elite forces fight with samurai swords? Its inaccurate...

Answer 7

In ancient war fare masks were used to prevent head injury or face injury.These masks were having moving parts for jaws and openings for eyes and nostrills.These were rather heavy and made of metals.Even now when gas is used(tear gas for example) mask is used.

Answer 8

look at this site for a good drawing of what an immortal looked like:
Hellas:NET - Warfare
http://monolith.dnsalias.org/~marsares/warfare/army/p_immort.html

here another pic :
http://www.livius.org/ia-in/immortals/immortals.html

Answer 9

I haven't seen the film but the Spartiates would have worn full face helmets.

Answer 10

that movie was close to history as hulk hogan wrestling is to real fighting..having said that..they did wear masks..dont know if they looked like those though.