Xerxes

When did Xerxes rule?

486–465 BC.

How did Xerxes secure his succession?

He used Demaratus, a Greek advisor, who recommended the Spartan rule that the first son born after becoming king is the heir. He also claimed Ahuramazda wanted him as king.

What revolts followed Darius's death?

Egypt revolted over tribute payments (two revolts in 484 BC). Babylon was angered at the ease of Persian control.

Give three reasons for Xerxes to invade mainland Greece, and two against.

For:
1) revenge on Athens
2) living up to his predecessors
3) acquiring new territory.

Against:
1) the Scythian expedition had gone badly
2) the defeat at Marathon was still in Persian memory.

How was the Persian army structured?

Smallest unit of 10, belonging to a unit of 100, then 1,000, then the largest unit of 10,000.

Who were the Immortals?

An elite unit of 10,000 men who guarded the king. If a man died he was immediately replaced from the wider Persian army.

What were the tactics of the Persian army?

The front line formed a shield wall with 10 lines of archers behind reaching up to 170 metres. Cavalry flanked the sides. The army could fight at both close and long range.

What was the Hellenic League?

An alliance of Greek city-states formed to resist the Persians.

What happened at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC)?

Sparta contributed 300 soldiers under King Leonidas to hold a narrow pass. After several days, the Persians outflanked them via a secret mountain path revealed by a local Greek named Ephialtes. The Spartans were surrounded and overcome.

Who told Xerxes about the secret path at Thermopylae?

Ephialtes.

What did Xerxes do to the body of King Leonidas?

He ordered his body decapitated and had his head mounted on a stake to rot in public.

What happened at the Battle of Salamis (480 BC)?

A naval battle in a narrow channel. The Greek fleet of 380 ships fought the Persians. Themistocles sent his slave Sicinnus to falsely tell the Persians the Greeks were retreating. The Persian fleet fought poorly in the confined waters. A complete failure for Xerxes.

What was the Battle of Eurymedon?

In the early 460s, a battle off the southern coast of Asia Minor in which the Delian League won a comprehensive victory over Persia on both land and sea.

What was the Delian League?

An alliance of Greek city-states formed in 477 BC to hold back the Persians.

How did Xerxes prepare for the invasion of Greece?

He reportedly had 2.3 million men (modern estimates: 60,000–80,000). Preparations took four years, including setting up supply depots, building canals, and constructing a bridge across the Hellespont.

What was the relationship between Athens and Persia before the Ionian revolt?

Sparta tried to reinstate Hippias as tyrant of Athens. Athens sought Persian help and ambassadors gave earth and water, though they were criticised on return. Hippias defected to Persia. Persia ordered Athens to reinstate him; Athens refused, effectively declaring war.