Sparta vs Athens: How to Defend Against Persia (480 BCE)
by Anonymous
Facing Xerxes' massive invasion, Greek city-states debated strategy. Athens built a navy (Themistocles' plan) while Sparta favored land defense at Thermopylae. Both strategies were employed — Thermopylae bought time for the decisive naval victory at Salamis.
Naval Battle (Athenian Strategy)
480 BCE
year
Evacuate Athens, fight at sea
strategy
Themistocles
key commander
Decisive victory at Salamis — broke Persian navy
outcome
Land Defense (Spartan Strategy)
480 BCE
year
Hold mountain passes
strategy
Leonidas
key commander
Heroic but failed at Thermopylae — bought time
outcome
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