Warfare > Battle of Plataea (479 BCE)

Battle of Plataea (479 BCE)

The Battle of Plataea, fought in 479 BCE, was a decisive confrontation between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire during the Greco-Persian Wars. Understanding the battle from the Persian perspective provides insights into their strategic objectives, challenges, and the reasons behind their eventual defeat. Here’s a detailed overview of the Battle of Plataea from the Persian side:

Background

1. Previous Campaigns:

   • The Persian Empire, under King Xerxes I, had launched a massive invasion of Greece in 480 BCE, aiming to subjugate the Greek city-states.
   • The campaign included famous battles such as Thermopylae and Salamis. Despite initial successes, the Persians suffered a significant naval defeat at Salamis, which forced Xerxes to retreat with the bulk of his fleet, leaving a sizable army in Greece under the command of General Mardonius.

2. Strategic Objectives:

   • Mardonius's primary objective was to consolidate Persian control over Greece, quash the Greek resistance, and secure a foothold in Europe.
   • He aimed to divide the Greek city-states, exploiting their internal rivalries and using diplomacy to win over those willing to submit to Persian rule.

The Persian Army

1. Composition:

   • The Persian army was a diverse force composed of various ethnic groups from across the empire, including Medes, Persians, Bactrians, Indians, and others.
   • The army was equipped with a mix of infantry, cavalry, and archers, with a strong emphasis on cavalry and archery to exploit their traditional strengths in mobility and ranged combat.

2. Command Structure:

   • Mardonius was the overall commander, supported by a cadre of experienced Persian and allied generals. His leadership was crucial for maintaining the cohesion and discipline of the multinational force.

The Battle

1. Initial Movements:

   • After wintering in Thessaly, Mardonius moved his forces south into Boeotia in the summer of 479 BCE, selecting the plains near Plataea as the battleground due to its suitability for cavalry operations.
   • He fortified his position near the Asopus River, constructing a fortified camp to protect his forces.

2. Engagement with the Greeks:

   • The Greek forces, led by the Spartans under Pausanias and the Athenians under Aristides, initially took defensive positions in the hills surrounding Plataea.
   • Mardonius sought to provoke the Greeks into attacking his fortified position, relying on his cavalry to harass their lines and supply routes.

3. Key Factors and Challenges:

   • Terrain: The Persian reliance on cavalry was hampered by the rough terrain and the Greeks' strategic positioning in the hills, which neutralized the effectiveness of the Persian horsemen.
   • Logistics: Maintaining supply lines for the large Persian army was a significant challenge, especially as the Greeks disrupted these routes.
   • Greek Unity: Despite internal differences, the Greek city-states displayed an unprecedented level of unity and coordination, presenting a formidable opponent.

4. The Battle:

   • After several days of skirmishes and maneuvers, the Greeks, pressed by dwindling supplies, decided to move to a more advantageous position.
   • Misinterpreting the Greek movements as a retreat, Mardonius ordered a full-scale attack. This decision led to a direct confrontation on the plains of Plataea.
   • The heavily armed Greek hoplites, particularly the Spartans and Athenians, proved superior in close combat against the lighter-armed Persian infantry.

Defeat and Aftermath

1. Death of Mardonius:

   • During the fierce fighting, Mardonius was killed, which had a demoralizing effect on the Persian troops and led to a breakdown in their command structure.
   • The loss of their general and the disciplined onslaught of the Greek hoplites caused the Persian forces to break and flee.

2. Retreat and Consequences:

   • The remnants of the Persian army retreated to their fortified camp, which was subsequently stormed and captured by the Greeks.
   • The defeat at Plataea marked the end of the Persian invasion of Greece, effectively halting Persian expansion into Europe.

3. Strategic Impact:

   • The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of the Greek phalanx and the limitations of Persian military tactics when faced with heavily armored infantry in close combat.
   • It also highlighted the importance of terrain and logistics in determining the outcome of battles.

4. Long-term Effects:

   • The defeat weakened Persian influence in the Aegean and emboldened the Greek city-states to take the offensive against Persian territories in Asia Minor.
   • It reinforced Greek unity and pride, laying the groundwork for the rise of Classical Greece and its cultural achievements.

Conclusion

From the Persian perspective, the Battle of Plataea was a disastrous end to a bold but ultimately flawed campaign to conquer Greece. Mardonius's strategy of relying on cavalry and attempting to provoke the Greeks into unfavorable engagements backfired due to the Greeks' disciplined tactics and strategic use of terrain. The death of Mardonius and the subsequent collapse of Persian morale sealed the fate of the Persian invasion, marking a turning point in the Greco-Persian Wars and a significant setback for the Achaemenid Empire.

Persian Warfare