FlashCards - Persian War II

Who launched the Second Persian War

Xerxes son of Darius.

Reason for delay between First and Second Persian Wars

Because Darius died in 486 BCE.

What Xerxes ignored before launching campaign

His advisors warnings about the dangers of invading Greece.

Major military advantage Athens developed during 10 year peace

A powerful navy.

Who convinced Athens to build its navy

Themistocles.

How Athens afforded its new warships

Profits from silver mines at Laurium.

Number of warships Athens grew to have

Around 200 triremes.

Location where Greek states met to plan in 481 BCE

Corinth.

Agreement made at the Corinth meeting

To unite against Persia and not make separate peace treaties.

Greek strategy to fight Persia

Avoid open plains and fight in narrow passes or sea channels.

City state that led the Greek military forces

Sparta.

Advice Themistocles gave before Persian invasion

Evacuate Athens and prepare for naval battle.

Where people of Athens evacuated to

The island of Salamis and the Peloponnese.

What Xerxes did when he reached Athens

He sacked and burned the city.

Reason Salamis was chosen for naval battle

Its narrow strait limited the Persian fleets size and maneuverability.

How Themistocles tricked Xerxes into battle

He sent a message to encourage the Persians to block escape routes.

What made Greek ships more effective at Salamis

They were heavier and better at ramming.

Standout Persian naval commander at Salamis

Artemisia a woman from Caria.

What Xerxes said about Artemisia performance

My men have become women and my women men.

What Xerxes did after loss at Salamis

He returned to Persia leaving his general Mardonius in charge.

Strategic offer Mardonius made to Athens

A peace deal just with Athens.

What Sparta built to protect the Peloponnese

A defensive wall across the isthmus.

Location of final land battle of Persian Wars

Plataea in 479 BCE.

What helped Greeks win the Battle of Plataea

Mardonius was killed and the Persian army lost morale.

What happened the same day as Plataea

The Greeks won the Battle of Mycale by attacking the Persian fleet on land