Ancient Sparta created one of the most feared military forces in world history; one Spartan, they claimed, was worth several warriors of any other nation. Their vast and accomplished history between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE made them infamous throughout the world, and then became a cinematic marvel through many decades of filmmaking. Since the release of movies like " 300," "The 300 Spartans," and "Gladiator 7," dressing in Spartan costume for Halloween, costume parties, or theater has become very popular. When dressing in a Spartan warrior costume, wearers need six essential props to complete the look, all of which are available in costume stores or online at websites like eBay. Consider each of these props to complete a Spartan warrior costume.
1 Spartan Warrior Helmet
Spartan Warrior Helmet Spartan helmets are an essential prop for a Spartan warrior costume, since the horsehair crest atop the helmet seems to have been an identifier for other Spartan warriors during battle. The prop helmet's color is gold or bronze, to represent the grafted metal helmets used in battle. Some prop helmets cover the skull only, while other, more authentic helmets cover the cheeks and nose. Designs on a warrior helmet represent a higher rank; however, Spartan warrior helmets that appear beaten up or damaged as if from constant battle are more authentic.
2 Spartan Warrior Sword
Spartan Warrior Sword Spartan sword props complete a Spartan warrior costume, since Spartans were always ready to battle at any given moment. One story tells of an Athenian who asked a Spartan why his sword was so short. After a short pause, the Spartan replied, "It's long enough to reach your heart." In movie reenactments of the historical Spartan warriors, the men also used spears to fight their enemies. Spear props are large and difficult to carry, which is why buyers should consider the sword, instead.
3 Spartan Warrior Shield
Spartan Warrior Shield Spartan shields indicated strength and bravery during battle. The shield was very heavy, and was therefore the first item a fleeing warrior abandoned when deserting the field. However, it was disgraceful for a Spartan to lose a shield in battle because it protected other warriors against flying arrows from the enemy. Shield props are vital to a Spartan warrior costume to indicate their bravery and loyalty. The shield props are gold or bronze, and they vary in style. Some feature family crests or leather.
4 Spartan Warrior Cape
Spartan Warrior CapeSpartans wore a scarlet cape so that others would recognize them. However, warriors never wore the capes during combat. Nevertheless, the cape is an essential accessory to a Spartan costume. The cape is only available in scarlet red; no other color cape is recognizably Spartan. Wearers should wrap the cape around the neck and drape it across the shoulders and down the back. Some costumes include a clip to hold the cape on.
5 Spartan Warrior Belt
Spartan Warrior BeltThe leather or faux leather belt for a Spartan costume provides an authentic look. Spartans wore leather for extra protection and warmth. For a costume, those qualities are unnecessary, which is why the belt is essential as a costume prop to bring authenticity to the wardrobe. Some costumes use leather or faux leather briefs instead.
Costume Prop Spartan Warrior Kilt
The last essential prop for a Spartan warrior costume is a kilt. A Spartan kilt is cloth worn wrapped around the waist. The kilt prop comes in either leather, or faux leather, and some simply wrap around the waist while others have fasteners. Some costumes forgo the kilt and simply keep the leather briefs visible. The kilt's color varies, but is typically scarlet, to coordinate with the cape. Sometimes it is brown, to mimic the look of leather and to match the belt. The main colors for the rest of the Spartan costume should be red, brown, gold, and bronze. These colors are authentic to the warrior's dress.
Spartan Costume Prop
Features
Helmet
Available in gold, bronze, or silver
Horsehair crest on top
Covers the skull, or skull and nose, or skull, nose, and cheeks
Sword
Available in bronze or silver
Handle is dark brown
Sword is short and easily stored in either shield or belt
Shield
Available in gold, bronze, or silver
Crest or pattern available for design
Leather added
Cape
Scarlet red only
Draped across neck and shoulders either by a clip or fastened
Belt
Leather, bulky style with possible gold fastener as an accessory
Kilt/Briefs
Available in brown or scarlet red
Available in cloth, leather, or faux leather
Leather option fastens together, cloth option clips or ties or secured with belt
Briefs are leather or faux leather
Essential Spartan warrior props for a costume consist of a helmet, sword, shield, cape, belt, and kilt/briefs in the available red, brown, gold, and bronze colors. When shopping, consult the list above to get all the necessary props.