 In Sparta , Queen Gorgo tries to persuade the Spartan Council to send reinforcements to aid the 300 . Theron , a corrupt politician , claims that he " owns " the Council and threatens the Queen , who reluctantly submits to his sexual demands in return for his help . When Theron disgraces her in front of the Council , Gorgo kills him out of rage , revealing within his robe a bag of Xerxes ' gold . Marking his betrayal , the Council unanimously agrees to send reinforcements . On the third day , the Persians , led by Ephialtes , traverse the secret path , encircling the Spartans . Xerxes ' general again demands their surrender . Leonidas seemingly kneels in submission , allowing Stelios to leap over him and kill the general . A furious Xerxes orders his troops to attack . Leonidas rises and throws his spear at Xerxes ; barely missing him , the spear cuts across and wounds his face , proving the God @-@ King 's mortality . Leonidas and the remaining Spartans fight to the last man until they finally succumb to an arrow barrage . 
