Battle Of Salamis Flashcards
When was the Battle of Salamis?
480BC
Where was it held?
In a bay by the island of Salamis
What was the context? How were Athens and Sparta going?
- Athens had been burnt down by Persians
- Sparta was next
What was the significance of Athenian victory?
- Ushered in a new age of Athenian glory and pride
- > E.g statues previously static and archaic forms. 10yrs after Salamis, masterpieces dynamic in their form
What was the Greek view of Persians?
- Barbarians
- Most Greeks thought all barbarians were equally terrible
Why did Xerxes I want to attack Greece
- Mostly to be viewed as a legitimate leader
- Retribution
- > For the Battle of Marathon (490BC) 10yrs prior
- > Greek city states of Asia minor had revolted, burning Proto-Astrianism temples. Athens had helped them.
How did the Persian army differ to the Athenian? 2 reasons.
- Culturally heterogenous ethnically
- > Egyptians, Phoenicians, etc.
- Very equipment heavy
How did the Persians view the battle of Thermopylae? Why was this really manipulative?
- In a positive light
- > Xerxes set up an exhibit of Hellene corpses (Herodotus)
- However, lost key aristocratic manpower
Why did the Persians keep going after the burning Athens to the ground?
Confusing
- May have been to completely stop Athens returning to power
- Sailing season was nearly over so this would give Athens time to recuperate
Who was the Athenian naval leader at the battle of Salamis? Why was he a Churchill-like BAWS
Themistocles
Churchill comparison:
- Proposed to stay and fight, and possibly result in further retribution instead of coming to terms
- > Most didnt want to fight
What was the Athenian naval leader’s sick trick?
- Tricked Xerxes into thinking that if the Persians come into the bay, they will retreat
- > Posing as a snitch / traitor
What happened? Why did Athens win?
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