From what I got, it wasn't even about disgrace. But that's an interesting take on it.

If the hunchback were to truly be accepted into the Spartan force, he would've been the downfall of all the soldiers. The person to the left of the hunchback would have no protection and would most likely die, leaving an open space in the phalanx. That open space would only keep on getting bigger because now the next person has no protection. Soon, it would just fall apart.

Danger's got it right on. The phalanx is a perfect machine (at least, for its time) if it stays together. A single chink in the armour and the phalanx is lost.

I have to watch the movie again to see exactly how the 300 end up losing. I know the Persians get sent across the mountain path but I need to watch again.

I think the two of you overlooked this sentence. Of course the main reason was the defensive formations. But what people, As in people who have watched the movie, are saying that Leonidas didn't have to include him in the phalanx and just send him in. People say something along these lines.

"Okay, so he can't fight properly with the army. Just send him out there, alone, [in front of the phalanx]."

I wouldn't want to send someone out to battle knowing that he is going to die. And the hunchback would know that he is being sent to death, in front of everyone. I would rather be accepted into the formation than being sent in front of it.

Yup. Leonidas didnt want to send anyone to death either. Keep in mind we that we just gave an answer to some people's question as to why he wasn't just thrown out there.

And do you think the hunchback, er, thing would care? He wanted to fight under Leonidas, and in front of the phalanx technically counts, lol.

Sorry people i will watch the one for September!

Thats ok.

I'm not sure on how he would feel about that.

Sorry for not posting yet. I've yet to see this movie, but I will do so this weekend.

Ephialtes would have done anything that Leonidas told him. There is a homosexual attraction between the two which I feel is evident in the dialogue between them. Perhaps it is just very VERY strong respect but I always felt like there was something more than that.

I did not get any sort of feeling of a homosexual attraction. I thought it was just respect.