Before 490 the Persian empire expanded, so naturally the next invasion was Greece. Little do they know what a grave mistake that was. In 499 the Ionian sector of Greece revolted along with the Athenians, which was the start of the Greco-Persian wars. These wars would expand over mainland Greece to Attica, where Athenians, Spartans, and members from other city-states would fight victoriously for their land. In Herodotus’ narrative of the Greco-Persian Wars, the Greeks were successful because of geographical knowledge, and a sound defensive strategy. To Herodotus, the Persians wanted power and the Greeks wanted to resist and uphold what was theirs. His depiction of Greek victory reveals how knowledge and strategy, especially passed orally, can
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Sardis was isolated, and in the time it took to sack, “it was reported to King Darius that Sardis had been captured and burnt.” 104 This shows how the slow-moving Persians would have to “sail along the coast,” 113 and lose not only men but resources as they moved into Greece. Herodotus recounts how the battles at Marathon, Platea, Salamis, and Thermoople are prime examples of how geography aided the Greeks in their defense against the Persian empire. The battle on the plain of Marathon took place in 490 BC. It was relatively narrow, thereby limiting the Persian cavalry to maneuver effectively. Therefore favoring Greek hopolites who fought in defensive phalanx formation, moving as one unit in said small space. The coastline also served as a border to keep flanks from enveloping each other. The battle of Platea occurred in 479 BC and was led, like most other Greco-Persian wars by the Athenians and Spartans. It seemed to be a fight for survival and their home. The Persians set up archers to defend the Asopus River and Gargaphian Spring, barricading the Greeks from a water …show more content…
In combination, tactics of ramming enemy ships and formation where three sterns of Greek ships attacked surrounding Persian ships allowed the Greeks to fight this larger power. Herodotus’ understanding of Greek victory reveals how war is remembered by a seemingly less equipped yet triumphant empire. Herodotus' accounts of the Greco-Persian battles are those of veterans. So it is important to keep in mind that recounts of war, especially made by arete valuing warriors, the stories of war are warped and exaggerated. One interpretation of Salamis and geographic victory was attributed to the fact that “the barbarians perished. because they could not swim.” 150 Almost in a mocking tone as he recounts a joke Xerces says, “My men have become women and my women men” (talking about Artemisia's “accomplishment”) 149. It seems as though Herodotus attributes geographical success in a wry tone, as his source may have done. Making a spectacle and mockery out of the Persians. At Pletea, “the Greeks refused to come down and fight on the plain,” since it would favor Persian
Sardis was isolated, and in the time it took to sack, “it was reported to King Darius that Sardis had been captured and burnt.” 104 This shows how the slow-moving Persians would have to “sail along the coast,” 113 and lose not only men but resources as they moved into Greece. Herodotus recounts how the battles at Marathon, Platea, Salamis, and Thermoople are prime examples of how geography aided the Greeks in their defense against the Persian empire. The battle on the plain of Marathon took place in 490 BC. It was relatively narrow, thereby limiting the Persian cavalry to maneuver effectively. Therefore favoring Greek hopolites who fought in defensive phalanx formation, moving as one unit in said small space. The coastline also served as a border to keep flanks from enveloping each other. The battle of Platea occurred in 479 BC and was led, like most other Greco-Persian wars by the Athenians and Spartans. It seemed to be a fight for survival and their home. The Persians set up archers to defend the Asopus River and Gargaphian Spring, barricading the Greeks from a water …show more content…
In combination, tactics of ramming enemy ships and formation where three sterns of Greek ships attacked surrounding Persian ships allowed the Greeks to fight this larger power. Herodotus’ understanding of Greek victory reveals how war is remembered by a seemingly less equipped yet triumphant empire. Herodotus' accounts of the Greco-Persian battles are those of veterans. So it is important to keep in mind that recounts of war, especially made by arete valuing warriors, the stories of war are warped and exaggerated. One interpretation of Salamis and geographic victory was attributed to the fact that “the barbarians perished. because they could not swim.” 150 Almost in a mocking tone as he recounts a joke Xerces says, “My men have become women and my women men” (talking about Artemisia's “accomplishment”) 149. It seems as though Herodotus attributes geographical success in a wry tone, as his source may have done. Making a spectacle and mockery out of the Persians. At Pletea, “the Greeks refused to come down and fight on the plain,” since it would favor Persian