The film is loosely based on historical events, specifically drawing inspiration from the Battle of Artemisium and the Battle of Salamis, pivotal moments in the Persian Wars. These naval battles, fought between the Persian Empire and a coalition of Greek city-states, are central to the narrative. The original "300" focused on the Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fought valiantly against the invading Persian army.