All the God-King Xerxes requires is this:

a simple offering of earth and water.

A token of Sparta’s submission to the will of Xerxes.

Submission. Well, that’s a bit of a problem.

See, rumor has it that the Athenians have already turned you down.

We must be diplomatic -

And of course Spartans…

have their reputation to consider.

Choose your next words carefully, Leonidas.

They may be your last as king.

Madman… You’re a madman!

Earth and water…

You’ll find plenty of both down there.

No man, Persian or Greek,

no man threatens a messenger!

You bring the crowns and heads of conquered kings to my city’s steps!

You insult my queen.

You threaten my people with slavery and death!

Oh, I’ve chosen my words carefully, Persian.

Perhaps you should have done the same.

This is blasphemy! This is madness!

This is Sparta!