In open water, Persian numbers could envelop the smaller Greek fleet. The Greek withdrawal encouraged pursuit into narrow water, where the Persian formation could neither maneuver freely nor bring its full strength to bear. Once committed to the narrows, the Persian ships had to keep pressing against the Greek front instead of using their superior numbers around its flanks. The ruse succeeds because it draws the enemy onto ground where an apparent advantage becomes a handicap.
Notable Point · 3:34-4:53
Salamis turns Persian mass into a liability
A feigned withdrawal draws the larger Persian fleet into waters where it cannot exploit its numerical advantage.