Science of war-early tactics of the Greeks-Spartans

After two days of fighting the Persian's luck turned as a secret path around the narrow passage was revealed to them by a farmer. This enabled the Persians to come behind the Spartans and encircle them. The time spent by the Spartans delaying the Persian army was well used by the Greek states in preparing for the defence of Greece. The next time Xerxes attempted an invasion was in September of 480 BC. at the Battle of Salamis. His fleet of over 700 vessels was decimated by a smaller number of Greek vessels known as triremes, pictured on the right.

These ships were highly maneuverable and fast. Propelled by oars they did not rely on wind to accelerate towards the enemy.

Science of Conflict Tactics of the Greeks-Spartans
In 480 BC the Persian King Xerxes, pictured on the right, with an army of over 200,000, marched on Greece. At Thermopylae he encountered a small band of 300 Spartans. Xerxes was amused that such a small group of soldiers dared to challenge his superior army. But in the mountains of Thermopylae the huge numerical advantage enjoyed by the Persians was negated by the narrow pass that their army had to negotiate. Xerxes underestimated the Spartans whose nation was like an armed camp. They knew no trade except for war it was a regime like no other in history dependent on strict discipline and superior training and tactics. The regime was so strict that all new born babies were inspected for disease or abnormalities. If a newborn was sick or malformed it would be thrown from a cliff and left for several days. If it survived it would be taken back and nursed. From behind their shields the Spartans advanced hurling spears at their enemy.
Enraged that such a small group of soldiers had withstood the might of the Persian army Xerxes ordered his elite troops, the Invincibles, to march against the Spartans. Faced with the advancing elite Persian soldiers the Spartan King Leonides ordered the unthinkable, a retreat. As the Persians marched into the narrow pass the Spartans turned and engaged the enemy. The Invincibles were cut down like all other soldiers before them, as the Spartan tactics proved superior.
Spartans fought in highly mobile platoons of 24 men called Sworn Bands. In these platoons soldiers were closely packed with interlocking bronze shields, where the right side of each soldier was protected by the shield of the person next to him and a small, double-ended spear which was thrust from over their shoulder. Each soldier was also armed with a steel sword, the kopis, that could slice through an opponent with little effort. Their bronze armour gave them protection from arrows and glancing blows from sword and spear.
After two days of fighting the Persian's luck turned as a secret path around the narrow passage was revealed to them by a farmer. This enabled the Persians to come behind the Spartans and encircle them. The time spent by the Spartans delaying the Persian army was well used by the Greek states in preparing for the defence of Greece. The next time Xerxes attempted an invasion was in September of 480 BC. at the Battle of Salamis. His fleet of over 700 vessels was decimated by a smaller number of Greek vessels known as triremes, pictured on the right. These ships were highly maneuverable and fast. Propelled by oars they did not rely on wind to accelerate towards the enemy.
The bronze ram in front of the trireme was used to smash through the opposing vessel at which point marines would board the enemy vessel and fight hand-to-hand. During the Battle of Salamis the Greeks accelerated towards the Persian vessels shearing the oars and rendering them useless.
1) Research the Spartan way of life. What made this Greek state so powerful? Discuss. Who were Sparta's enemies when they were not threatened by Persia? W hat lead to the down fall of Sparta and the Greek states? Discuss. 3) Did the Persian Empire ever conquer Greece? Discuss 4) Were there technological advances that assisted the Spartans against the Persian forces or was it purely tactics and superior training? Discuss. 5) Considering that Xerxes' Empire had to be supplied by sea why was the Battle of Salamis so important?
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