HUM 2 Lecture Notes - Lecture 31: Peloponnesian League, Peisistratos, Battle Of Greece
Document Summary
Makes preparations for second attack against athens. 486 satrap in egypt rose in revolt. Darius dies right before he is about to lay siege to egypt. Comes to the throne upon the death of his father. Subdues egypt and another revolt in babylon. Must consider whether or not he wants to battle athenians. Xerxes isn"t all that positive about invading greece, but faces central problem of living up to reputation of predecessors. Easiest way to do this is through greece, add people and territory and avenge father. Decides in favor of invasion, collecting massive force, full-scale expedition aimed to conquer the full greek mainland. Navy of 1207 triremes (confirmed by eschalus) Eschalus was at the battle of salamis. Impossible because that many people cannot be supplied and provisioned. Historians believe land army numbers are too big. Persian army relied on a large number of service people, maybe 1:7 soldier to. 1207 triremes service, ranging about 200,000 soldiers.
