Beijing (CNN) This isn't Sparta -- it's China.

Dozens of half-naked models, dressed as Spartan warriors -- familiar to Chinese moviegoers from the 2006 action-fantasy film "300" -- were subdued by Beijing police while taking part in a marketing stunt, promoting a salad delivery service Wednesday.

The group of foreign models were hired to promote Sweetie Salad's leafy offerings as part of its one year anniversary, according to a statement released by the company.

The shirtless, caped and leather-hotpanted models made a scene when they thundered into downtown Beijing holding boxes of salad, attracting crowds eager to photograph them.

Images of the models quickly went viral on Weibo and WeChat, China's two most popular social media platforms.

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