MILITARY HISTORY The Persian Wars

In each unit we will look at… Strategy Tactics Technology Leadership Logistics

A note on strategy & tactics… “In military usage, a distinction is made between STRATEGY and TACTICS. – Strategy is the utilization, during both peace and war, of all of a nation's forces, through large-scale, long-range planning and development, to ensure security or victory. – Tactics deals with the use and deployment of troops in actual combat” "Strategy." Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 24 Aug

Logistics “The branch of military science and operations dealing with the procurement, supply, and maintenance of equipment, with the movement, evacuation, and hospitalization of personnel, with the provision of facilities and services, and with related matters.” “Logistics." Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 24 Aug

QUESTION How do each of the aforementioned factors determine the outcome of a war? Strategy? Tactics? Technology? Leadership? Logistics?

The Greco-Persian Wars BC See textbook, pg. 10

The Ionian Rebellion Greek city-states in Persia rebelled They were helped by Athens Persian emperor Darius crushed the rebellion Darius seeks to burn Athens for revenge and prepares to invade mainland Greece

The Battle of Marathon 490 BCE – Persian force lands at Marathon Athenian Assembly (Democratic) – Decides to advance to Marathon – Send runner to Sparta for help Greeks – 9000 Athenian hoplites – 1000 Platean hoplites Led by Miltiades Persians – 20,000 to 95,000 Persians Mostly lightly armed archers cavalry

The Battle of Marathon Greeks extend line of hoplites – Weak in center, strongest in the sides – Persians strong in center, weak in sides lightly armed – Hoplites slam into Persians at a run – Persians surrounded, cut to pieces

The Aftermath Spartans show up late – Examine Persian weaponry Athenian tactics Impressive victory Athens – Victory surprised Athenians – Vindicate democracy

History vs. Hollywood Discuss Thermopylae & 300

Salamis (September 480 BCE) Battle of Salamis – Hellenic League uses geography to their advantage – Persians outnumber Greeks (700 to 370 ships) – Greek ship more maneuverable Sink most of Persian fleet – Xerxes returns to Persia fearing weather – Persian army left under command of Mardonius

Platea August 479 BCE Battle of Platea – 40,000 Hellenic League hoplites vs. – Approx. 75, ,000 Persians Greek movement interpreted as retreat – Spartans charge Persian lines – Athenians defeat Thebans Persians crushed, invasion stopped – Hellenic League takes war into Persian territory

- What factors contributed to Greek victory in the Persian Wars?