Story :
It is the middle of the Greco-Persian wars, and Xerxes, the young king of Persia, is determined to destroy the independent Greek cities that are fueling the revolt in the southern part of his empire. He assembles an immense army which crosses the Bosporus Strait only to meet an Athens deserted by its inhabitants, in complete havoc. For their part, the Greeks, mainly led by Themistocles take refuge at Salamis, a small island off the coast of Athens. The skilled strategist, Themistocles, has a plan. Aware of the danger and of the importance of the upcoming encounter, he has 200 sturdy and swift galleys built.
The combat will thus take place on water, in the narrow harbor of Salamis. Persuaded of victory, Xerxes, accompanied by his advisors dominate the strait. On the other side of the bay, thousands of Greeks are equally waiting for the battle. For the first and last time in history an entire people will follow the battle that will decide their history. In front of what seems to be a furious stadium, the two enemy camps confront each other under the worried watch of their peers.
The Athenian fleet has its back to the island of Salamis and bears down on the 600 Persian ships. The strait's narrowness renders the superior volume of the Persian fleet useless; only the first lines are able to fight. The Greek triremes are more maneuverable and ravage the Persian fleet, sinking half of its ships. Sensing defeat, Xerxes orders the retreat and he falls back with his ships, giving up his dreams of power.
Conséquences :
This episode in history ends the Persian authority over the Greek cities and marks the beginning of a new era.
Such a victory, achieved at the price of numerous sacrifices, gives the Greeks, particularly the Athenians, the energy and credibility necessary start the beginning of the great Greek domination that would last for years to come. |
