THE GREEK VICTORIES AND THE PERSIAN EBB 480-479 BC: The Battles of Salamis, Plataea, Mycale and After

1-235420

The dramatic conclusion to this trilogy explains the reversal of fortunes and final defeat of Xerxes' Persian invasion of Greece -- not as unlikely as usually presupposed. Examines plans, potential, assets, and liabilities of both sides to explain command decisions and developments in the field. Includes 52 color maps, diagrams, and illustrations.

The focus is on the successful repulse of the Persian massive armada at Salamis -- a resounding naval victory with parallels to the English defeat of the Spanish Armada. Along with the backstage policies and cloak-and-dagger events, the analysis of hard data of naval and military realities and environment shows the reason for this outcome and more so of the closely fought double campaign of the following year that ended the Persian threat.

Examines the massive land victory at Plataea that ousted Persia from mainland Greece and crippled its armies, and the amphibious operation at Mycale that destroyed the remnants of the royal Grand Armada and shut the doors to further Persian incursions in Greece.