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The Battle of Salamis was a naval battle in 480 BC in which the Greek fleet defeated the invading Persian fleet. The Persians attempted to trap the Greeks in the Bay of Eleusis but the Greeks took advantage of the disorganized Persian ships in the confined waters. Led by Themistocles, the Greeks attacked and secured an easy victory. Xerxes was outraged by the defeat and retreated back to Asia with much of his army. Prior to the battle, Aristides convinced Themistocles that the Greeks could not retreat and had to make a stand, setting aside their rivalry to face the greater Persian threat together. Themistocles' strategy was key to the Greek victory at Salamis.

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33 views2 pages

Source Analysis

The Battle of Salamis was a naval battle in 480 BC in which the Greek fleet defeated the invading Persian fleet. The Persians attempted to trap the Greeks in the Bay of Eleusis but the Greeks took advantage of the disorganized Persian ships in the confined waters. Led by Themistocles, the Greeks attacked and secured an easy victory. Xerxes was outraged by the defeat and retreated back to Asia with much of his army. Prior to the battle, Aristides convinced Themistocles that the Greeks could not retreat and had to make a stand, setting aside their rivalry to face the greater Persian threat together. Themistocles' strategy was key to the Greek victory at Salamis.

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Source 1

Modern source
Map/Diagram

The Battle of Salamis was the naval attack by the Persians against what they believed to
be defeated Greeks. They attempted to corner the Greeks and block them into the bay of
Eleusis, where they would destroy them. The tables however were turned when the
Greeks took advantage of the disorganised Persian ships, which could not manoeuvre
easily in the bay due to their immense numbers. The Greeks led by Themistocles attacked
when the Persians were off balance, securing their victory easily. Xerxes was outraged by
this defeat and retreated to Asia with much of his army.

The Battle of Salamis was won by the Greeks shortly after the loss of Thermopylae. The
Greeks were defeated by the Persians at Thermopylae and as a result attempted to escape,
they then retreated into the Bay of Eleusis and waited for the Persians to come after them,
striking when they were at a disadvantage.

The leaders of the two forces were Xerxes and Themistocles. The Persian leader Xerxes
wanted to conquer Greece for reasons unknown, whether or not it was to avenge his
father, gain more land, or for other reasons is heavily debated. Whatever the reason,
Xerxes led several attacks against Greece; attacking Thermopylae was one of his
victories, spurred on by the defeat of the Greeks, Xerxes pushed to the island of Salamis
to finish off Themistocles. The great Athenian tactician however defeated Xerxes
superior numbers with brilliant strategy and better soldiers.

The source shows how the Persians attempted to block in the Greeks but were quickly
defeated by the superior strategy. Xerxes above the fighting had created a throne with a
good view of the battle in order to know which generals did particularly well and to
reward them.
The creator of this source made it to show how the battle played out, how Xerxes was
defeated despite the overwhelming odds. The map allows easy understanding of how the
battle was won.
Source 2

Our rivalry at all times, and especially at the present season, ought to be a struggle,
which of us shall most advantage our country. Let me then say to thee, that so far as
regards the departure of the Peloponnesians from this place, much talk and little will be
found precisely alike. I have seen with my own eyes that which I now report: that,
however much the Corinthians or Eurybiades himself may wish it, they cannot now
retreat; for we are enclosed on every side by the enemy. Go in to them, and make this
known

This quote is what Aristides said to Themistocles before the Battle of Salamis. The two
put aside their rivalry in order to address the bigger threat from the Persians.
Themistocles graciously accepted Aristides help in the battle, and the two triumphed over
the Persians. Themistocles brilliant strategy was what won the battle, without it the
Athenians would have been overwhelmed.

After the embarrassing defeat at Salamis, Xerxes returned to Persian, leaving Mardonius
and a small force to recapture the conquered areas of Greece. The forces recaptured
Athens, but the Greek city-states joined together to fight the forces at Plataea and Mycale.
Xerxes did not return to Persia because of the defeat. He returned as he had heard that
there was unrest and riots in Persia. Herodotus depicts Xerxes as a coward running from
the fight, however more research into the withdrawal shows that he returned to save his
kingdom from collapsing in on itself.

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