To what extent was Themistocles’ contribution the key factor in bringing about a Greek victory in the Persian Wars 480-479 BC? Flashcards
Intro
Themistocles’ contributions to the Persian Wars of 480-479 BC were instrumental to the Greek victory , evident in his foresight in prior preparations and tactical manipulation in the Battle of Salamis and Artismium
Greek historian Herodotus accounts, in which titles Themistocles as a ‘champion of the people’ due to his influential role in fostering Greek unity, while having tactical and political foresight, which was crucial to halt the Persian invasion.
Other factors Persian arrogance relating to Greek tactics and topography
The Spartan hegemony
490 - 480 interwar period Themistocles contribution
After Persian defeat at Marathon 490 BC, Herodotus accounts that Themistocles ‘prepared himself in continual readiness, viewing the battle as a prelude to a far greater struggle.’
Oversaw the construction of a 200 trimene fleet
Fleet building opposed by stratgois Aristides -> wanting to give money from silver vein on Laurium to people instead of construction of fleet.
Ostracised Aristides in 483 BC using recent defeat to local rivals Aegina in 493 BC -> A political maneuver John Fine to state, “the fleet which Themistocles built had saved Greece at Salamis.”
481 BC Congress of Isthmus -> highlighted foresight, accepting Spartan hegemony with Euribidies taking control of the alliance fleet = selfish behavior.
BP2 - during the Persian wars
Themistocles’ Troezen inscription -> planned evacuation of Athens = tactical mastermind Thermopylae with delaying tactics.
Interpretation of second Delphic oracle “protected by wooden wall” -> convince the allies to remain and fight at Salamis and rely upon their fleet = a decisive blow
To the extent that Herodus claims that without the Athenians, who operated a majority of the league ships, Greek defeat would have been inevitable.’
Themistocles trick -> baiting the Persians to split into three squadrons, the Ionian squadron didn’t fight as hard, as asked by the Eubeo inscription.
Plutarch claimed he was “the man most directly responsible for saving Greece.”
BP3 - other factors for victory
Herodotus’ account that highlighted the navally inexperienced Persian nobles, driven by fear of Xerxes’ wrath, led their fleet into the straits -> restriction of numerically superior fleet due to narrow strait.
Xerxes’ arrogance, as noted by Ehrenberg, who described him as “impetuous and overconfident,” -> resulted in light armored Persians with wicker shields to fight heavily armored greek hoplite (phalanx formation) in close combat.
Greek strategic use of geography at Thermopylae - > Greek unity. 7000 Greek led by Spartan king Leonidas delayed Persian forces -> generalship of Spartan hegemony = significance of serpent pillar
Luck, Magnesian coast destroyed 400 ships -> prevented Persian strategy.
Conclusion;
In conclusion, Themistocles was instrumental in the Greek victory in the Persian wars, exploiting Persian arrogance and strategic flaw
