Persian and Greek Strategies during Xerxe's invasions

Strategies of the Persians and Greeks
Evaluate the Greek and Persian strategy in Xerxes’ invasion of 480-479BC

In the years before the discovery of gunpowder, canons and nuclear weapons, ancient warfare relied on the adoption of sly and skilful tactics. This is clearly evident throughout the historical period of the “Third Persian Campaign” where Xerxes the Persian king (486-465 BC) invaded Greece seeking revenge for his father Darius’ humiliating defeat at Marathon. In the time period of 480-479 BCE, the Persians and the Greeks used a variety of techniques such as intimidation, encirclement and more importantly the extensive use of naval vessels. Much of the Greeks’ success also came about through their employment of trickery as well as their clever choice of battle sites.

We are firstly told by Herodotus that Xerxes spent four long years to planning his incursions. One of his main objectives was to travel across Greece without any drawbacks; this was achieved through...