How Gerard Butler received "Citizen of Sparta award" in 2020
Scottish-born Hollywood actor Gerad Butler known for portraying the famous king Leonidas in ‘300’, amongst other acclaimed roles, became a Spartan citizen after accepting an honorary citizenship. Following the ceremony he run as an Olympic flame torchbearer representing the city of Sparta.
The event took place Friday, March 13, 2020, as a part of the 2.500th commemoration anniversary of the Thermopylae battle, and was organised by the municipality of Sparta in Greece. He was given the citizenship in an expression of gratitude for his contribution in promoting the history of Sparta when he starred in the box office success movie ‘300’.
The ceremony was followed by Butler’s acceptance speech in which the actor stated how delighted he was to finally visit the place where Leonidas was born and, even more, to become a true Spartan, ‘a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ for him. He linked his Scottish heritage to the one of the famous Spartan warriors saying that ‘Scotts also come from a proud warrior tradition’, adding that epic stories like the one of king Leonidas who together with his 300 Spartan soldiers fought against all odds in Thermopylae are about ‘great leaders who made selfless actions that would change the course of history’. He then highlighted the ‘special connection’ he feels he had to Leonidas while filming the movie ‘300’ and explained he tries to ‘live up to him’.
Butler concluded that the history of Leonidas is a ‘Story of heroes, legends and Spartan principles: honor, sacrifice’ that he felt were very close to his heart, shaping him as a man and influcing the world throughout history. Ending in true Leonidas-Bulter style he roarded ‘This is holy ground, this is the land of legends, this is Sparta!’ to the gathered crowd prompting a loud applause.
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