Role and contribution of Greeks

Question 1

Leonides

Answer 1

THERMOPYLAE

• Led the 300
• Spartan King
• Became almost mythical after sacrifice (Hero Cult of Leonidas)
• Commander of the combined Greek forces

Question 2

Miltiades

Answer 2

MARATHON

• 1 of 10 strategoi (general) to command the Athenian forces 490BC
• Previously a tyrant, supported ionian revolt
• Understanding of Persian tactics
• Convinced Athenian polemarch to confront Persians at Marathon
• 489BC unsuccessful Athenian expedition, charged with treason

Question 3

Themistocles

Answer 3

• Athenian Statesmen
• Elected archon in 493BC, increased naval power (silver deposit) = 200 trireme
• Organised Corinth at the Isthmus = Hellenic league
• Command of navy at Artemisium and Salamis lead to victory
• Hostility due to persuading Athens to be refortified
• Ostracised ( sent to exile ) 472/71
• Spartans implicated him in treasonous plot, fled to Persia
• Made governor

Question 4

PAUSANIAS

Answer 4

• Nephew of Leonidas, served as regent until his son was ready
• Responsible for victory over Persia platea
• held together army over 100000 men from 24 cities - JVA FINE
• Herdotus: The finest victory in all history… was won by Pausanias
• After battle of Mycale, when it was made clear Athens would dominate the Hellenic League in Sparta’s absence, he was sent back to command the League’s military
• 478 was accused of conspiring with Persia and sent back to Sparta, where he was acquitted but left of his own accord
• Re-joined Greek fleet, which then captured Byzantium in 478BC
• Deal with Xerxes: help bring Sparta/Greek states under Persian control in exchange for marriage to Xerxes daughter
• Began to dress like Persian aristocrat and adopt their customs
• Developed a reputation for arrogance, many Spartan allies joined Athenian side because of this
• Recalled to Sparta in 470BC, where the Ephors planned to arrest him for treason
• Sort refuge in temple of Athena of the Brazen house, where he starved to death