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Why did the Greeks win the Persian wars? - Coggle Diagram
Why did the Greeks win the Persian wars?
What the Persians did wrong
Mistakes
Arguably one of the greatest sources of error was how the Persians underestimated the strength of the Greek forces. Easily conquering much of the surrounding area, some would say the Persians underestimated how well the Greeks could band together and the combined strength that would bring.
One huge mistake was made at the battle of Salamis. the Persians were in a relatively strong position; the Greeks were arguing among themselves and greatly outnumbered. However, by believing Themistocles' servant they doomed their fleet by entering the strait.
What the Greeks did well
Leadership - The Greek army united many great leaders and each had their own moments of strength that ultimately won them the war
Miltiades
He was a highly influential Athenian, known for his victory at the battle of Marathon. This was despite being greatly outnumbered dur to lack of Spartan reinforcements.
His tactic broke the usual formation and instead strengthened the sides of the Athenian line. This meant that when the Persians pushed towards the weak centre, the Greeks circled the army and defeated the Persians.
Themistocles
He was an Athenian politician and general behind the famous victory at the battle of Salamis.
After the battle of Marathon, He alone had the foresight to strengthen the navy and later was the one to suggest evacuating Athens to Salamis.
While the other Greeks argued, he devised his plan which tricked the Persians into the narrow straight, allowing the Greeks to destroy the disorganised fleet.
Leonidas
He was the king of Sparta and was renowned for his brave defeat at the battle of Thermopylae
Interestingly, despite being defeated by the Persians, the Greeks didn't look at this as a weakness but a great strength. The Spartan led troops managed to hold of the Persians for a significant while. Eventually, Leonidas sent the rest of the army to safety but the Spartans fought to the last man. this was seen as a brave and selfless act and celebrated as a display of Spartan strength and will.
Strength of the Greek army and fighting style
The Spartans
The Spartans were seen as some of the best fighters in the whole Greece. Their military based society meant they were always prepared for battle.
The Hoplite fighting style
Most of the Greek cities were well practised in the Hoplite fighting style. This particular, heavily armed infantry was strong and meant each soldier protected those around them
motives
The Greek city states were fiercely independent and valued freedom highly. This meant they often fought among themselves.
During the Persian wars, this belief that divided them was actually what made them unite in the face of a common enemy. The Greeks were fighting for their freedom from outside rule and so were perhaps more motivated than the Persians who fought only for their king.
Skill
Using familiar terrain to their advantage
The battle of Salamis - the Greeks used the narrow strait as a way to break the Persians formation, throwing them into disarray.
the battle of Thermopylae - by stationing themselves in the mountain pass, they knew the Persians could not find another way around the mountain range and so would be forced to confront them