The Greek forces won the decisive Battle of Plataea. This victory, fought in 479 BCE, saw the Greek armies crush the invading Persian army on the slopes of Cithaeron below Plataea, effectively ending Persian ambitions on the Greek mainland.
A Decisive Greek Victory
The Battle of Plataea was a pivotal engagement during the Greco-Persian Wars. Under the leadership of the Spartan regent Pausanias, the combined forces of various Greek city-states confronted the formidable Persian army commanded by Mardonius. The strategic maneuvers and fierce fighting ultimately led to a decisive defeat for the Persians, dealing a significant blow to their expansive empire and securing the independence of the Greek states.
Key Aspects of the Battle of Plataea
This major confrontation involved a broad coalition of Greek city-states, showcasing their unity against a common foe.
- Date: 479 BCE
- Location: Slopes of Mount Cithaeron, near the city of Plataea in Boeotia.
- Combatants:
- Victors: Greek Alliance (primarily Spartans, Athenians, Corinthians, Megarians, and others)
- Defeated: Persian Empire and its allies
- Key Leaders:
- Greek: Pausanias (Spartan regent and overall commander)
- Persian: Mardonius (Persian general and son-in-law of Darius I)
- Outcome: A complete Greek victory, leading to the destruction of the bulk of the Persian army on the Greek mainland and the death of Mardonius.
Historical Significance
The Battle of Plataea, often coupled with the naval Battle of Mycale fought on the same day, marked the definitive end of the second Persian invasion of Greece. It preserved the independence of the Greek city-states and allowed for the continued development of Classical Greek civilization, which would go on to profoundly influence Western culture.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victor | Greek Forces |
| Opponent | Persian Army |
| Greek Leader | Pausanias |
| Persian Leader | Mardonius |
| Year | 479 BCE |
| Significance | Crushed Persian ambitions on the Greek mainland; decisive end to Persian Wars in Greece |
For more detailed information on this historic clash, you can explore resources on the Battle of Plataea.
