Xerxes I

Recorded sideAchaemenid Persia (Xerxes I)

Recorded resultvictory

Persian tactical victory after the Greek position was outflanked via a mountain path

The Greeks neutralized Persian numbers by fighting in the narrow pass where only a small frontage could engage, and superior hoplite armor and phalanx discipline inflicted heavy losses for two days. Persia won only once the local Ephialtes revealed the Anopaea path, letting the Immortals march behind the position; facing encirclement, Leonidas dismissed most of the army and the rearguard was overwhelmed.

What followed

Tactical Persian victory that became a cultural symbol of sacrifice and free-state resistance; bought time and morale for the Greek war effort that culminated at Salamis and Plataea.

Recorded sideAchaemenid Empire

Recorded resultdefeat

Decisive Greek naval victory that crippled the Persian fleet

Themistocles lured the larger Persian fleet into the narrow straits where its numbers became a liability, and the more maneuverable, heavier Greek triremes shattered the crowded Persian line by ramming.

What followed

The defeat forced Xerxes to withdraw much of his force, turning the tide of the invasion and securing Greek naval dominance in the Aegean.