The Battle of Salamis By Perren Vasquez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftl6hjmqSnA

Context of the Battle The King of Persia, Xerxes I launches a massive campaign to take over Greece, a legacy he inherited from his father Darius I The Persian Army has swept through Greece destroying notable cities such as Thespiai, Plataea, and most importantly Greece The Persian Navy is also advancing on the Greek Navy with a vast numerical superiority The major Greek and Persian naval commanders are meeting to decide how to proceed

Sardonic Gulf

Corinthian Standpoint Greek leaders should mount a defense at the isthmus of the Peloponnese Why fight at Salamis where the Greek Navy would be trapped if defeated Why fight for an area that has already been taken by the spear The Hellenes race to build a massive wall around the isthmus to repel the Persian army Majority of Greek Navy sides with the Corinthians

Themistokles Controls the largest Navy of any Greek city state with 180 ships Fears a retreat to the isthmus will cause Greek forces to scatter and only defend their own interests Cites the advantage of fighting in a narrow straight which will eliminate the advantage of Persian numerical superiority

Persian Battle Plan Tyrant leaders fear being punished as cowardly by Xerxes, they advise for a quick decisive battle Xerxes reinforced with losses by conquered peoples/slaves Artemisia is the only one who advises caution Waiting or proceeding to Corinth will cause the Greeks to scatter Already have achieved objective of burning Athens, not worth it to risk Navy

Activity Divide into four groups: Athenians, Corinthians, Tyrant Leaders, followers of Artemisia Critical Question: What should be the highest priority of a battle commander? Consider: Playing to advantages, troop unity, risk vs. reward, overall agenda, alternative strategies, how much should you allow your subordinates to influence your decisions

Result of the Battle Persian fleet attacks Greeks at Salamis but is routed Xerxes retreats but is “content” with his destruction of Athens Themistokles and Artemisia receive great honor for their wise council Greece will not be invaded again by the Persians

Citations http://patentpending.blogs.com/patent_pendin g_blog/2007/01/the_three_hundr.html https://www.preceden.com/timelines/46458- important-events-in-ancient-greece Kaulbach, Wilhelm von - Die Seeschlacht bei Salamis - 1868.JPG