Dont forget that it never meant to be historical as it is copied from Miller's "300" comic books.

Personally I did not liked it very much, possibly due to great anticipation of the movie and risen expectetaions. Some things are symbolical , such Spartans as being unarmored and the Persians, Ephialtis and the Ephors being disfigured.

Two things I hated about the movie: The side story of the Queen and the fact that with the exception of the first battle clash Spartans fought individually and not in phalanx formation.

Making them so uber war golems degrated the whole essence of their sacrifice. The movie was not centred on their sacrifice but on their battle capabilities.