What were some significant elements involved with the ancient Battle of Plataea?

Answer 1

There were over 100,000 soldiers on each side. On the Greek side there were 21 contingents from various city-states, the largest from Sparta and Athens. On the Persian side there was the depleted Persian force 60,000 (half had been sent home during the winter) and the Greek city-states which supported the Persians contributed 50,000.

Answer 2

This battle between the ancient Greeks and ancient Persians was 10 years after the Battle of Marathon. Operations of note include the following:* Historians note that this battle was one where each side were at comparable strength;

* Each army was well commanded;

* As with Marathon, the Greek flanks enjoyed the protection of the hilly terrain;

* The Persians scouted out an exposed unit of Greek hoplites and from a distance the Persian cavalry attacked the unit with bows and javelins;

* The Greeks countered with reinforcements of archers and light infantry;

* The Persians then altered their attack with hit and run tactics. One group attacked, withdrew and allowed another group to take their places;

* The lack of a straight forward assault by the Persians hurt them as the Greek archers caused great harm to the Persian cavalry;

* The Greek foot archers had the advantage as the Persian cavalry had to command their mounts and shoot arrows at the same time;

* The Persian cavalry leader was killed and their attempts to save him brought them into hand to hand combat with the Greeks;

* The Greek hoplites, now reinforced forced the Persian cavalry to retreat;

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At this juncture nightfall halted the battle

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* The following morning the Persians found themselves facing the Greeks, this time the Spartan Greeks had the better of the day;

* Confusion in the Persian ranks gave the Greek Spartans an advantage;

* The Persian commander, Mardonius, was killed in the ensuing hand to hand combat; and

* The Greeks turned to their "shock" tactics and forced the leaderless Persians to retreat.

The Persian defeat at Plataea ended the Persian attempts to attack the Greeks on their home soil.