The Greek Victories and the Persian Ebb 480–479 BC : The Battles of Salamis, Plataea, Mycale and After

The dramatic conclusion to this trilogy explains the reversal of fortunes and final defeat of Xerxes’ Persian invasion of Greece; not as unlikely as usually presupposed. The focus is on the successful repulse of the Persian massive armada at Salamis, a resounding naval victory with parallels to the English defeat of the Spanish Armada. Along with the backstage policies and cloak-and-dagger events, the analysis of hard data of naval and military realities and environment shows the reason for this outcome and more so of the closely fought double campaign of the following year that ended the Persian threat. The massive land victory at Plataea that ousted the empire form mainland Greece and crippled its armies, and the amphibious operation at Mycale that destroyed the remnants of the royal Grand Armada and shut the doors to further Persian incursions in Greece is examined in detail. Manousos Kambouris examines in depth the plans, potential, assets and liabilities of the two protagonists to explain command decisions and developments in the field. This is a fine finale to this fresh appraisal of these hugely significant events. Cover Book Title Copyright Dedication Contents Introduction Part I Nemesis in Salamis Chapter 1 The Invasion of Attica Chapter 2 The Opposing Forces Chapter 3 Jockeying for Positions Chapter 4 Setting the Stage Chapter 5 The Battle Chapter 6 Victory at Sea Chapter 7 The Aftermath Part II The Imperial Last Roar Chapter 8 The Winter Proceedings of Mardonius Chapter 9 The Army of the Conqueror Chapter 10 The Winter Quarrels and Machinations of the Allies Chapter 11 The Springing of the Spring Chapter 12 The Expeditionary Armies of the Defenders Chapter 13 On the Dance Floor of War Chapter 14 The Opening Moves Chapter 15 To Seize or to Forfeit? Initiative Supreme Chapter 16 The Decisive Battle Chapter 17 The Making of a Triumph Chapter 18 The Fat Lady Sang – Again Part III The Battle of Mycale Chapter 19 Sealing the Door Shut Chapter 20 The Greek Expedition Chapter 21 The Defending Imperials Chapter 22 The Allied Assault Chapter 23 Aftermath Epilogue Bibliography Index Concluding part of a significant trilogy on the Greco-Persian Wars.