Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:21:01-1:23:10

A Persian strategy after Thermopylae

The proposed Persian plan denies the Greek coalition time to organize and keeps the Egyptian fleet as a reserve at Salamis instead of detaching it to block the channel.

Achaemenid EmpireAthensBattle Of SalamisBattle Of ThermopylaeGreco Persian WarsLand WarfareNaval Tactics
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Question

How should a Persian commander fight the Athenians after Thermopylae?

Short answer

Move quickly to deny the Greeks time, and at Salamis keep the Egyptian ships as a reserve behind the battle line rather than detach them.

Notes

Persia's advantages lay in archers, cavalry or chariots, and the elite but limited Immortals. Time was the Greek coalition's crucial asset, so the Persian commander should press the campaign before the Athenians and their allies could consolidate. At sea, the narrow waters of Salamis prevented Persia from using its full numerical strength. Retaining the Egyptian contingent behind the main battle line as a reinforcement would allow fresh ships to enter once the opening formation was committed, instead of sending that contingent away to close an exit.