Pausanias

Definition

Pausanias was a notable Greek general and commander of the Spartan forces during the Persian Wars, particularly remembered for his leadership at the Battle of Plataea in 479 BCE. He played a crucial role in securing a decisive victory against the Persians, marking a turning point in the conflict and leading to the eventual withdrawal of Persian forces from Greece. His actions and decisions had significant impacts on the strategy and outcomes of the war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pausanias was instrumental in organizing the Greek forces that defeated the Persians at Plataea, which marked a critical moment in ending the Persian invasions.
2. After the victory at Plataea, he was appointed as commander of the Hellenic League but faced accusations of treason that ultimately affected his reputation.
3. His leadership style included employing both strategic maneuvers and building alliances with other Greek city-states to strengthen their defense against Persia.
4. Pausanias also contributed to Greek military tactics by incorporating lessons learned from previous battles against the Persians.
5. The aftermath of his leadership at Plataea helped solidify Spartan dominance in Greece during the early phases of the post-war period.

Review Questions

• How did Pausanias’ leadership at the Battle of Plataea influence the outcome of the Persian Wars?
  • Pausanias' leadership at the Battle of Plataea was crucial in uniting various Greek city-states against a common enemy, leading to a significant victory over the Persians. This battle marked a turning point, as it not only diminished Persian power in Greece but also demonstrated the effectiveness of Greek military cooperation. His strategic decisions and ability to rally troops were key factors that helped secure this decisive win.
• Discuss the impact of Pausanias’ military strategies on subsequent Greek warfare following the Persian Wars.
  • Pausanias' military strategies had a lasting impact on subsequent Greek warfare by showcasing the effectiveness of unified command and coordinated tactics among disparate city-states. His approach to leadership emphasized collaboration and adaptability, which inspired future generations of Greek commanders. Additionally, his experiences at Plataea contributed to evolving battlefield tactics that would be employed in later conflicts, further shaping Greek military tradition.
• Evaluate how Pausanias' controversies after the Persian Wars affected Spartan politics and alliances within Greece.
  • After his leadership role in the Persian Wars, Pausanias faced controversies surrounding accusations of treason, which significantly impacted Spartan politics and its alliances within Greece. His tarnished reputation weakened Sparta's influence as other city-states became wary of their intentions. This internal strife and distrust contributed to shifts in alliances among Greek states, leading to a more fragmented political landscape that ultimately set the stage for future conflicts among them.

Related terms

Battle of Plataea:

The final major battle of the Persian Wars, where the Greek city-states united to defeat the Persian army, leading to the end of Persian invasions in Greece.

Spartan Hoplite: Heavily armed foot soldiers from Sparta known for their discipline, combat skills, and pivotal role in Greek warfare during the Persian Wars.

Hellenic League:

A coalition of Greek city-states formed to unite against the Persian threat during the wars, showcasing Greek solidarity and military cooperation.