The Battle of Salamis: Debates Comparison

Question 1

What are the reasons that Themistocles gives for staying at Salamis? (2) - What does Herodotus say of this?

Answer 1

• Fighting at Isthmus would be more open, and the Greeks had fewer ships than the Persians
• The narrow waters of Salamis meant that the Persians could not deploy all of their ships and so favoured the Greeks
• “Everyone will go home, and neither Eurybiades nor anybody else will be able to prevent the total dissolution of our forces. The plan is absurd and will be the total ruin of Greece”

Question 2

How does Themistocles convince Eurybiades to stay at Salamis?

Answer 2

• He threatens to sail the Athenians to Italy (they had 200 ships, more than any other state, meaning the other Greeks states wouldn’t stand a chance without them)
• He told Eurybiades that he would be dooming Greece if he retreated

Question 3

What was the problem with Greek decision making? (2)

Answer 3

• Spent more time arguing than discussing tactics

- There was a lot of dissension - they were too focused on their own survival, rather than the defense of Greece

Question 4

What does Artemisia advise Xerxes in regard to Salamis? (5 - 3 of which are quotes)

Answer 4

• “Spare your ships and do not fight at sea”
• “If you keep the fleet on the coast…you will easily accomplish your purpose”
• The Greeks have naval superiority
• She advises to patiently wait out the Greeks, as they were running out of supplies and fighting amongst themselves
• “I think it best that you march back and that Mardonius, if he so wishes…be left here with those whom he desires”
• She tells Xerxes that if Mardonius fails and is killed it would not count as a victory for the Greeks because Xerxes would remain unharmed

Question 5

What reasons are given for/against Xerxes staying/leaving Greece? (4)

Answer 5

• Mardonius offers to take 3,000 men and attack the Greeks while Xerxes and the rest go home
• Artemisia said that if Mardonius failed, only a servant would be lost
• If Mardonius succeeded, Xerxes could take the credit, as Mardonius was his servant
• Xerxes had already achieved his original task of burning Athens

Question 6

Does Xerxes tend to listen to advice?

Answer 6

• Nope. He takes advice and then makes the wrong decision EVERY SINGLE TIME