The Battle of Salamis: Debates at Salamis Comparison

Reasons Themistocles gives for staying at Salamis:

• Fighting at Isthmus was more open, and the Greeks had fewer ships than the Persians
• The narrow waters of Salamis meant that the Persians could not deploy all of their ships and so favoured the Greeks
• By retreating to Isthmus, the Greeks would be inviting the Persians to the Peloponnese and Greece would "no longer remain one country"
• "Everyone will go home, and neither Eurybiades nor anybody else will be able to prevent the total dissolution of our forces. The plan is absurd and will be the total ruin of Greece." - Herodotus

How does he convince Eurybiades?

• Themistocles threatens to sail the Athenians to Italy 
• The Athenians had 200 ships, more than any other state, meaning that the other Greek states depended on Athens and wouldn't stand a chance without them
• He told Eurybiades that he'd be dooming Greece if he retreated

Greek decision making:

• Spent more time arguing than discussing tactics
• There was a lot of dissension - they were too focused on their own survival, rather than the defense of Greece

What does Artemisia say?

• "Spare your ships and do not fight at sea"
• "If you keep the fleet on the coast...you will easily accomplish your purpose"
• The Greeks have naval superiority
• She advises to patiently wait out the Greeks, as they were running out of supplies and fighting amongst themselves (wait for them to destroy themselves kinda thing)
• "I think it best that you march back and that Mardonius, if he so wishes...be left here with those whom he desires"
• She tells Xerxes that if Mardonius fails and is killed it would not count as a victory for the Greeks because Xerxes would remain unharmed

What reasons are given for/against Xerxes staying (or leaving) Greece?

• Mardonius offers to take 3,000 men and attack the Greeks while Xerxes and the rest go home
• Artemisia said that if Mardonius failed, only a servant would be lost
• If Mardonius succeeded, Xerxes could take the credit, as Mardonius was his servant
• Xerxes had already achieved his original task of burning Athens

Does he listen?

• Obviously not - he takes advice and then makes the wrong decision EVERY SINGLE TIME