300

The number 300 is the natural number that follows 299 and precedes 301. It is an even, composite number with prime factorization 2^2 × 3 × 5^2, and it has 18 positive divisors. It is abundant, since the sum of its proper divisors (568) exceeds 300. 300 is also a triangular number—the 24th triangular number—because 24 × 25 / 2 equals 300. Additionally, it is a Harshad number in base 10, being divisible by the sum of its digits (3).

In Roman numerals, 300 is written CCC.

300 is well known in popular culture for a film and a graphic novel. The 2006 film 300, directed by Zack Snyder, is a stylized adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel of the same name. It dramatizes the Battle of Thermopylae, focusing on King Leonidas and his 300 Spartan warriors. The film was a commercial success and led to a later entry in the franchise, 300: Rise of an Empire, released in 2014.

The graphic novel 300, created by Frank Miller with colorist Lynn Varley and published by Dark Horse Comics in 1998–1999, presents a highly visual, largely non-documentary account of the Spartan stand at Thermopylae. Its distinctive black-and-white artwork with red accents influenced the film’s visual style and helped popularize the story in modern media.

Historically, the Battle of Thermopylae occurred in 480 BCE during the Greco-Persian Wars. A small Greek force, led by King Leonidas I of Sparta, defended a mountain pass against the invading Persian army of Xerxes I. The action is celebrated as a symbol of sacrifice and tactical delaying action, despite the decisive defeat.