Battle of Salamis
480 BCE · Straits of Salamis · World · Ancient
The Greeks lured the huge Persian fleet into a narrow strait and won a great victory with ramming tactics.
Belligerents
Greek coalition
- Commanders
- Themistocles, Eurybiades
- Strength
- About 370 triremes
Persia
- Commanders
- Xerxes I, Artemisia
- Strength
- About 600-800 warships
Background
After the fall of Thermopylae, Themistocles pressed for a decisive battle in the narrow strait.
Course of the battle
- Luring the enemyFeigning a fearful retreat, the Greeks lured the Persian fleet into the strait at night.
- Decisive battleIn the narrow waters the Persian fleet became crowded and disordered, and was rammed by the Greeks.
- Retreat in disarrayThe Persian formation collapsed and retreated in defeat.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 480 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Straits of Salamis |
| Result | The Greeks lured the huge Persian fleet into a narrow strait and won a great victory with ramming tactics. |
| Winner | Greek coalition |
| Casualties | Persia lost about 200-300 warships, Greece about 40. |
| Territorial change | The main Persian navy was destroyed, and Xerxes led his army in withdrawal north. |
Impact
The decisive naval battle that turned the course of the Greco-Persian Wars.
See the world in 480 BCE on the map →