The Athenian-led coalition draws Persian, Phoenician, and Ionian ships into a narrow approach, reducing the width of their fighting front. The smaller Greek fleet therefore avoids an open-water contest in which the Persian force could use its numbers to envelop it. Unlike troops on land, whole ships cannot easily rotate through a congested line, so vessels in the front remain committed until disabled or sunk. The ruse converts Persian depth into an obstacle and lets the Greeks fight manageable portions of the larger fleet.
Chapter · 9:32-11:46
Salamis turns Persian numbers into congestion
The Greek retreat into confined water induces the larger Persian fleet to enter a channel where its numerical advantage cannot deploy.