The Immediate Reaction

• In 480 BC, Xerxes crossed the Hellespont with his forces and began his march into Europe
• Before the march, Xerxes had sent out ambassadors to the states of Greece with a demand for "earth, water and a further order to prepare entertainment for him"
• States in the most direct proximity to the invasion force surrendered immediately (medized), including the Thessalians, Locrians and almost all of the Boeotians