Battle of Salamis

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Salamis?

Subject:

Battle of Salamis

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Decisive 480 BC naval victory in the Greco-Persian Wars against Xerxes' massive fleet.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Salamis ( SAL-ə-miss) was a naval battle fought in 480 BC, between an alliance of Greek city-states under Themistocles, and the Achaemenid Empire under King Xerxes. It resulted in a victory for the outnumbered Greeks. The battle was fought in the straits between the mainland and Salamis, an island in the Saronic Gulf near Athens, and marked the high point of the second Persian invasion of Greece. It was arguably the largest naval battle of the ancient world, and marked a turning point in the invasion. To block the Persian advance, a small force of Greeks blocked the pass of Thermopylae, while an Athenian-dominated allied navy engaged the Persian fleet in the nearby straits of Artemisium.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In the resulting Battle of Thermopylae, the Spartan rearguard of the Greek force was annihilated, while in the Battle of Artemisium the Greeks suffered heavy losses and retreated after the loss at Thermopylae. This allowed the Persians to conquer Phocis, Boeotia, Attica and Euboea. The allies prepared to defend the Isthmus of Corinth while the fleet was withdrawn to nearby Salamis Island. Although heavily outnumbered, the Greeks were persuaded by Athenian general Themistocles to bring the Persian fleet to battle again, in the hope that a victory would prevent naval operations against the Peloponnese. Persian king Xerxes was also eager for a decisive battle.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

As a result of subterfuge on the part of Themistocles (which included a message directly sent to Xerxes letting him know that much of the Greek fleet was stationed at Salamis), the Persian navy rowed into the Straits of Salamis and tried to block both entrances. In the cramped waters, the great Persian numbers were an active hindrance, as ships struggled to maneuver and became disorganized. Seizing the opportunity, the Greek fleet formed in line and achieved a victory. Xerxes retreated to Asia with much of his army, leaving Mardonius to complete the conquest of Greece. The following year the remainder of the Persian army was defeated at the Battle of Plataea and the Persian navy at the Battle of Mycale.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Salamis

True or False: “The Battle of Salamis was fought primarily on land, involving hoplite formations blocking a mountain pass.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Salamis was fundamentally a naval battle fought in the narrow straits between the mainland and the island of Salamis.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Battle of Salamis