Persian Weaknesses and Strengths Flashcards
(16 cards)
What financial strategy did Lysander use to weaken enemy ships? [Plut]
Cyrus paid the merc sailors 4 obols instead of 3
This strategy made enemy ships empty, as noted by Plutarch.
What did the Athenians recognize about Persian troop strength? [Herodotus]
Persian strength is many times greater than their own
This is highlighted in Herodotus Histories 8.143.
How did Herodotus describe the Persian troops’ courage and skill?
Courage and strength were as good as their adversaries, but deficient in armor and untrained
This is mentioned in Herodotus Histories 9.62.
Who did Herodotus describe as ‘Persia’s firm friends’?
The Thebans
This is noted during the events at Platea.
What did Darius ask for during the 2nd Persian Invasion? [Herodotus]
Earth and water
Many cities medized, indicating some Persian forces were Greek.
What was Xerxes’ army criticized for in terms of troop quality? [Herodotus]
Many men, but few soldiers
This observation is from Herodotus Histories 7.210.
What disadvantage did the Persians have in terms of weaponry? [Herodotus]
Using shorter spears than the Greeks
This is mentioned in Herodotus Histories 7.211.
What was the survival rate of Persian troops at Platea? [Herodotus]
Not 3000 survived out of 300,000
This statistic is provided in Herodotus Histories 9.70.
What challenges did Xerxes face while fighting far from home? [Herodotus]
Bad terrain, land and sea, supply lines
Artabanus noted that the greatest enemies were the land and the sea.
What did Herodotus say about fighting in confined spaces?
It favors the Greeks
This is contrasted with the open sea, which favors the enemy.
What was Xerxes’ reason for abandoning Attica? [Herodotus]
Bad country for cavalry
This is recorded in Herodotus 9.13.
What event caused Xerxes to flee during the Battle of Salamis? [Herodotus]
Fear of being cut off from the Helespont
He left behind Mardonius with a force of 300,000.
What were some reasons for the Ionian Revolt (499-494)?
- Rise of democracy
- Heavy tribute
- Loss of independence
- Internal disputes
- Economic and commercial decline
These factors contributed to Greek discontent with Persian rule.
What did Herodotus say about the Persians’ actions after the Ionian Revolt?
No further hostile measures were undertaken against Ionia
This is noted in Herodotus, Book 6.
How did Herodotus refer to the Battle of Mycale?
The second Ionian Revolt
This is mentioned in the context of Greek resistance.
What was stated in the third treaty of 412/11 regarding Persian rule? [Thuc]
It was intolerable for any agreement to stand under which the King was to rule over all states ruled by him or his fathers
This reflects the growing discontent with Persian authority, as noted by Thucydides.
