Ep 3. 479 B.C. Plataea: Greece Wins Freedom

The Decisive Battles of World History season 1 episode 3, titled "479 B.C. Plataea: Greece Wins Freedom," explores one of the most crucial battles in ancient Greek history. This episode recounts the story of the Greek alliance that banded together to defeat the Persian Empire and secure their freedom.

The episode begins by setting the historical context of the battle. In the year 480 B.C., the Persians had launched a massive invasion of Greece. Their aim was to conquer and subdue the Greek city-states, paving the way for their eventual conquest of Europe. The Greek forces, vastly outnumbered and outmatched in terms of weaponry and resources, had desperately tried to fend off the Persian invasion. However, they suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small contingent of Spartan soldiers had managed to hold off the Persian army but eventually succumbed to their superior numbers.

Following the fall of Thermopylae, the Persians went on to capture and sack the city of Athens, thereby crippling the Greek resistance. However, the Greek alliance, known as the Hellenic League, was not willing to give up hope so easily. With the help of the Spartan general Pausanias, they rallied their forces and managed to halt the Persian advance at the city of Plataea.

The episode provides a detailed description of the terrain and geography of the battlefield. The Greeks had chosen a defensive position on a narrow plain, with their flanks protected by steep hills on either side. They had erected a wall of shields and spears to defend against the Persian cavalry charges. On the other hand, the Persians had a vast army, consisting of warriors from all over their empire. Their main tactic was to use their archers and light infantry to wear down the Greek defenses, followed by heavy cavalry charges aimed at breaking the Greek line.

The episode then goes on to narrate the various phases of the battle, highlighting the crucial decisions and turning points that led to the eventual Greek victory. The Greeks had an advantage in terms of unity and discipline, thanks to the leadership of Pausanias. They also had superior weaponry, including the new "hoplite" formation that allowed soldiers to fight in tight phalanxes with overlapping shields. The Persians, on the other hand, suffered from a lack of coordination and communication, as their army was made up of many different nationalities and languages.

One of the most critical moments of the battle came when the Persians attempted a flanking maneuver, trying to attack the Greek rear from the higher ground on the hills. However, the Greeks managed to counter this move by sending a detachment of soldiers to hold off the Persians, while the rest of the army pressed forward in a coordinated attack. This bold move proved decisive, as it forced the Persians to retreat and eventually led to their defeat.

The episode concludes by highlighting the significant historical impact of the Battle of Plataea. It was the last major battle of the Persian invasion, and it secured the freedom of Greece from Persian domination. It also marked the beginning of a new era of Greek power and culture, often referred to as the Golden Age. The episode provides a powerful reminder of the importance of bravery, unity, and strategy in the face of overwhelming odds, themes that continue to resonate even today.