While the major military engagement near Plataea in 479 BCE is historically known as the Battle of Plataea rather than a traditional siege, this pivotal confrontation resulted in a decisive victory for the Greek forces.
The Battle of Plataea (479 BCE): A Greek Triumph
The Battle of Plataea was a crucial land battle fought during the second Persian invasion of Greece, following the Persian sack of Athens. It represented a turning point in the Greco-Persian Wars, effectively crushing Persian ambitions to conquer the Greek mainland.
Key Details of the Engagement
The battle unfolded on the slopes of Mount Cithaeron, below the city of Plataea. It pitted the allied Greek forces against the invading Persian army.
- Combatants and Leadership:
- Greek Forces: Comprised of various Greek city-states, the allied army was led by the Spartan regent Pausanias.
- Persian Army: The formidable Persian forces were commanded by Mardonius, a general and cousin of King Xerxes I.
- Outcome: The engagement culminated in a resounding defeat for the Persian army. Mardonius himself was killed during the battle.
Significance of the Victory
The Greek triumph at Plataea was not merely a single battle win; it held immense historical and strategic importance:
- Decisive Defeat of Persia: The battle definitively ended Persian attempts to subjugate mainland Greece, forcing their full retreat from Greek territory.
- Preservation of Greek Autonomy: It secured the independence of the Greek city-states, allowing their unique political and cultural development to continue.
- Symbol of Greek Unity: The victory was a testament to the effectiveness of the Greek city-states' alliance against a common, powerful enemy.
The outcome of this significant confrontation can be summarized as follows:
| Combatants | Leader(s) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Allied Forces | Pausanias | Victorious |
| Persian Invading Army | Mardonius | Defeated |
This victory, alongside the concurrent naval triumph at Mycale, marked the effective end of the Greco-Persian Wars and ushered in a new era of Greek prominence.
For further information on the broader context of the conflict, you can explore resources on the Greco-Persian Wars.
