Battle of Plataea

Definition

The Battle of Plataea, fought in 479 BCE, was the final and decisive battle of the Greco-Persian Wars, resulting in a significant victory for the Greek city-states against the Persian Empire. This battle marked the end of Persian invasions into Greece and solidified the unity among the Greek forces, particularly between Athens and Sparta, highlighting their role as key players in defending Greek independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Battle of Plataea took place near the town of Plataea in Boeotia and involved around 110,000 Persian troops against approximately 38,700 Greek soldiers.
2. The Greek forces were predominantly made up of soldiers from various city-states, with Sparta providing a significant contingent under General Pausanias.
3. The victory at Plataea was crucial for the Greeks, as it not only ended the immediate threat of Persian dominance but also allowed for a sense of solidarity among previously rival city-states.
4. Following the battle, the Greeks established a common military command, which paved the way for further cooperation in future conflicts.
5. The aftermath of Plataea helped to inspire a sense of Greek identity and pride, setting the stage for a cultural renaissance during the Golden Age of Athens.

Review Questions

• How did the outcome of the Battle of Plataea influence the relationship between Athens and Sparta?
  • The outcome of the Battle of Plataea strengthened the alliance between Athens and Sparta, as both city-states played crucial roles in defeating the Persians. This cooperation was vital for establishing a united front against external threats, fostering a sense of shared purpose among them. While tensions would later arise between these two powerful states, their successful collaboration at Plataea laid the groundwork for future military alliances.
• Discuss the strategic importance of Plataea in concluding the Persian Wars.
  • The strategic importance of Plataea lay in its role as a decisive victory that effectively ended Persian ambitions in Greece. With a combined force of various Greek city-states uniting against a common enemy, Plataea showcased how collaboration could lead to significant military success. The defeat at Plataea forced Persia to withdraw its forces from Greece permanently, marking a turning point in the power dynamics of ancient Mediterranean politics.
• Evaluate how the Battle of Plataea contributed to shaping Greek identity and culture in subsequent years.
  • The Battle of Plataea significantly contributed to shaping Greek identity by fostering unity among disparate city-states against a common foe. The victory instilled pride and confidence in Greek culture, leading to an emphasis on collective achievement and heroism. In subsequent years, this sense of identity fueled cultural developments during Athens' Golden Age, inspiring advancements in art, philosophy, and democracy that would leave a lasting legacy on Western civilization.

Related terms

Persian Wars: A series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire, spanning from 499 BCE to 449 BCE, including notable battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis.

Hellenic League: An alliance of Greek city-states formed to unite against the Persian invasion, which played a crucial role in coordinating military efforts during the Persian Wars.

King Xerxes: The ruler of the Persian Empire during the second invasion of Greece, known for leading the Persian forces in battles such as Thermopylae and Salamis.