Developments in Persia + Greece up to 480 Flashcards
What happens within the Persian Court surrounding Xerxes’ desire to invade Greece in the 480s?
There is a debate between the Persians on the pros and cons of invading Greece
The two key figures highlighted by Herodotus in this debate are Mardonius + Artabanus (Xerxes’ uncle)
What did Mardonius say about Greece in favour of invasion? (5 examples)
Greece is full of fertile land (Lie)
Greek unity is rare (true)
Persian Army is the best in the world - bound to win a full-scale invasion
Greece has little-to-no army and limited wealth
Exaggerated past victories (His own expedition in 492)
What points did Artabanus raise against invading Greece? (5 examples)
‘Often a great army is destroyed by a little one’
Greeks are good fighters (Marathon used as an example)
Mardonius isn’t to be trusted
Sustaining Persian army will become a struggle
If one half of the army succumbs, the other will fall (Fleet + troops)
Why does Xerxes ultimately go forward with the invasion?
A phantom confronts him at his bed, declaring Xerxes’ should go forward with the invasion
How did Herodotus characterise the Persian debate to invade Greece?
Written like a Greek Tragedy (Artabanus being the ‘wise advisor’ who is ignored by the hubristic Xerxes)
Speeches sound like Athenian speeches, not Persian
What is the significance of Xerxes’ reviewing of the Persian troops?
Showcases the exaggeration of Herodotus’ numbers about the Persian Army
Despite this, educated guesses estimate this invasion still being the 2nd largest invasion of Europe in history
What is one of Artabanus’ last warnings towards Xerxes before the invasion?
To not bring the Ionian Greeks in the invasion as they may prove disloyal and help their fellow Greeks (Herodotus is using hindsight to the events of Mycale)
Which ex-king of Sparta begins to advise Xerxes during the Persian preparation? And what does he say?
Demaratus
He highlights the Spartan’s skill in fighting on land
What infrastructure did the Persians build to prepare for the invasion?
They build bridges across the Hellespont
They cut a canal through Mt. Athos to avoid storms (Learning from Mardonius’ expedition)
What were the military statistics for the Persian invasion according to Herodotus?
1207 triremes (exaggeration by Herodotus - approx. 400)
Combined force of 4.7 million Persians (Herodotus’ unreliability) - modern estimate: 250k
Which city states gave the token of submissions to the Persian heralds who asked for Earth and Water?
Thessaly
Thebes
All Boetians (except Platea + Thespiae)
Locrians
What was the Greek response to the medising cities?
Declaring that they would punish the traitors and give 10% of their property to the god at Delphi
Which two cities did Xerxes not send heralds to? And why?
Athens and Sparta
They had killed the previous heralds sent under Darius
What does Herodotus say about ultimate Greek victory? And why was this controversial?
He gives full credit to Athens for winning the war due to their naval power
This was controversial as at the time of writing (420s) Athens was the Tyrant city in Greece
What prophecy was uttered by the Delphic oracle during the Athenian’s visit to Delphi during Persian advances into Greece?
They reference the fall of ‘wooden walls’ within Athens and an inevitable battle at ‘Divine Salamis’ (Herodotus’ hindsight)
