The Persian Wars

Xerxes moves south

Athens was in despair, for the Athenians knew that their city would surely be destroyed. There simply was no place between the Persians and Athens where the Greeks dared to risk battle. Instead, they must watch their city burn and place their trust in the fleet. The citizens fled, many to the island of Salamis.

Xerxes did indeed burn Athens. He was enraged to find that the only ones who remained were those too ill or too demented to leave. The Athenians stood on the shores of Salamis and could see the flames devour their city.

Both the fleet and the army were now in place. Xerxes was sure of victory. He had his throne placed upon a hill overlooking the sea, in part to savor his victory and in part so his commanders would know that their king was watching them.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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