In 480 BCE, King Xerxes invaded Greece with a force that dwarfed the city-state militias. Against all odds, the Greeks won. In this episode, host Scott Emmons guides you through five key battles in a war that had profound implications for the development of Greek culture.

For visuals illustrating aspects of the second Persian War, check out Episode 36 at epicgreekhistory.substack.com.

Reading Suggestions
Herodotus, Histories 7.175—9.122
Plutarch, Life of Themistocles and Life of Aristides
Aeschylus, Persians
Peter Green, The Greco-Persian Wars
Tom Holland, Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West
J.F. Lazenby, The Defence of Greece 490-479 BC

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To the Greeks, Xerxes was a malevolent despot who tried and failed to enslave them. At the other extreme, Xerxes portrayed himself as a righteous king whose rule was blessed by the great god Ahuramazda. In this episode, host Scott Emmons looks at Xerxes from both Greek and Persian angles in order to get a more rounded picture of this enigmatic monarch.

For visuals illustrating aspects of this topic, check out Episode 35 at epicgreekhistory.substack.com.

Reading Suggestions:
Maria Brosius, A History of Ancient Persia
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, Persians: The Age of the Great Kings
J.M. Cook, The Persian Empire
Lindsay Allen, The Persian Empire

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After the Athenian victory at Marathon, it was only a matter of time before the Persians would return in greater force. In this episode, host Scott Emmons leads you through a decade of political developments in Athens, the Persian king Xerxes’ preparations for a massive invasion, and the formation of a Hellenic alliance that committed to the defense of Greece.

For visuals illustrating aspects of this topic, check out Episode 34 at epicgreekhistory.substack.com.

Portrait bust of Themistocles
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Busto_di_temistocle,_da_originale_greco_del_V_secolo_ac,_dal_decumano_presso_il_casamento_del_temistocle.JPG

Arthur’s Sleepy History
https://open.spotify.com/show/4AMQOoqVGQVmbotdkcgn48?si=BdlsZBvZSeeX5sp2ET5feA

Reading Suggestions:
Herodotus, Histories, 6.132-7.175
Plutarch, Life of Themistocles and Life of Aristides
Aristotle, Constitution of Athens, 22.1-8
Peter Green, The Greco-Persian Wars
Tom Holland, Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West
J.F. Lazenby, The Defence of Greece 490-479 BC

Support the show