The Battle of Salamis
After Thermopylae falls, Xerxes burns Athens. The Greek fleet retreats to the narrow strait of Salamis. The allies want to flee to the Peloponnese, but Themistocles of Athens argues they must fight in the strait where Persian numbers mean nothing. When they still waver, he secretly sends a message to Xerxes: "The Greeks are about to flee - attack now and trap them." Xerxes takes the bait. The Persian fleet crowds into the strait and becomes trapped. The Greeks destroy them. Xerxes watches from a throne on the shore as his empire's fleet burns. He retreats to Persia. Greek freedom is secured.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Explains that Athens has fallen and the Greeks are debating whether to fight
Cause & Consequence
Explains why the narrow strait negated Persian numerical superiority
Meaning
Engages with the theme of cleverness defeating brute force
Evidence
Cites a specific passage (the message to Xerxes, the battle, the aftermath)
Defense
Maintains or thoughtfully revises their position under challenge
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