Greeks At War

Question 1

What sections of Herodotus is the battle of Marathon described?

Answer 1

Book 6, Sections 98 - 112

Question 2

Where and when did the battle of Marathon take place?

Answer 2

On the plains of Marathon in 490 BC

Question 3

Who was in charge of the respective armies at Marathon?

Answer 3

Miltiades for the Greeks and Darius for the Persians

Question 4

What was unusual about the Greek Phalanx at Marathon?

Answer 4

Extremely wide, leaving just a few rows of soldiers in the middle but strong wings. This was to combat the huge number of Persians

Question 5

Describe the events of the battle of Marathon

Answer 5

After a several day stand-off, Greeks charge forward into the Persians. Persians were strong in the middle but could not hold the Greek wings, which let the Greeks surround them. Persians are slaughtered and retreat to their ships to flee. Several ships are stopped but most get away

Question 6

What happened after Marathon?

Answer 6

Greeks march back 26 miles to Athens and stand on the beach, facing the Persian ships. Persians go back to Persia

Question 7

What sections of Herodotus is the battle of Thermopylae described?

Answer 7

Book 7, Sections 206 - 228

Question 8

Where and when did the battle of Thermopylae take place?

Answer 8

In the pass of Thermopylae in 480 BC

Question 9

Who was in charge of the respective armies at the battle of Thermopylae?

Answer 9

Leonidas for the Greeks and Xerxes for the Persians

Question 10

Describe the first few days of the battle of Thermopylae

Answer 10

Started with a five day stand-off. Persians attack but Greeks kill many. Xerxes then sends out 10,000 Immortals who fare no better. The next day, Xerxes sends out his regular soldiers again who are slaughtered again.

Question 11

Who were the 10,000 Immortals and why were they unsuccessful against the Greeks?

Answer 11

Special Persian army who covered their faces and ran at the enemy in complete silence. Their intimidation tactics did not scare the Greeks and speed did not work against the Phalanx

Question 12

Describe the next few days of the battle of Thermopylae

Answer 12

Xerxes told by a spy about a mountain pass that went behind the Greeks, which would give the Persians an advantage. Persians go down it by night and the Phocians protecting it retreated as they fought they were being attacked. Leonidas sends away all but 1000 Greeks including 300 Spartans. Greeks are killed in last stand

Question 13

Why was the battle of Thermopylae important?

Answer 13

Athenians were able to flee the city before the Persians could burn it down

Question 14

What sections of Herodotus is the battle of Salamis described?

Answer 14

Book 8, Sections 78 - 112

Question 15

Where and when did the battle of Salamis take place?

Answer 15

The straits between the mainland and the island of Salamis in 480 BC

Question 16

Who was in charge of the respective armies at the battle of Salamis?

Answer 16

Themistocles for the Greeks and Xerxes for the Persians

Question 17

What did Themistocles do that was so strange?

Answer 17

To bait them, he sent a messenger to the Persians to tell them that the Greeks were thinking of fleeing and that it would be best for them to attack now

Question 18

Describe the events of the battle of Salamis

Answer 18

Persians attack the morning after the message only to find the Greeks ready for them. Persians pushed back into their own lines, causing their formation to fall apart. Details are sketchy but Persians are overwhelemed

Question 19

What did Xerxes do after the battle of Salamis?

Answer 19

Went back to Persia and left Mardonius in charge of the Greek invasion

Question 20

Who was in charge of the respective armies at the battle of Plataea?

Answer 20

Xanthippus, Aristides and Pausanias for the Greeks and Mardonius for the Persians

Question 21

Describe the events preceding the battle of Plataea

Answer 21

11 day stalemate. During this time, Greek supply lines were ambushed by the Persians. Pausanias ordered a retreat to a position in front of Plataea to get water, but went awry and units became scattered.

Question 22

Where and when did the battle of Plataea take place?

Answer 22

At Plataea in 479 BC

Question 23

Describe the events of the battle of Plataea

Answer 23

Thinking that the Greek retreat was a full retreat, Persians charge forward and are met by a strong Greek force. Mardonius is killed by a thrown stone and Persians start panicking and fleeing. Greeks move in and slaughter them.