The Persian Wars

The Battle of Salamis

The Persians had around 700 ships, the Greeks around 300. The Spartans and other allies were encamped in the Isthmus of Corinth, awaiting the outcome of the sea battle. Xerxes had conquered most of Greece; now was the time for the killing blow.

The Greeks were able to lure the Persians into narrow waters where superior Greek seamanship won the day. As Xerxes watched, his massive fleet sailed into the straits, then were systematically rammed and sunk by the enemy.

The victory at Salamis was so decisive that Xerxes immediately sailed back to Persia, leaving Mardonius and the army to fight their way back as best they could.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

Comments and questions