1. The Battle of Salamis By Perren Vasquez

2. 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

3. Sardonic Gulf

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Citations
g_blog/2007/01/the_three_hundr.html
important-events-in-ancient-greece
Kaulbach, Wilhelm von - Die Seeschlacht bei Salamis JPG