Opposing forces

Persian fleet

Herodotus gives a detailed description of the Persian fleet that assembled at Doriskos in spring 480 BC. However, after the fleet was struck the storm off the coast of Magnesia, approximately one third of the fleet was lost. Thus, by Herodotus's reckoning, the Persian fleet would have had approximately 800 triremes at Artemisium.

Some modern scholars have accepted these numbers, especially since the ancient sources are unusually consistent on this point. Other authors reject this number, with 1,207 being seen as more of a reference to the combined Greek fleet in the Iliad, and generally claim that the Persians could have launched no more than around 600 warships into the Aegean.

Greek fleet

Herodotus claims there were 280 ships in the Greek fleet at the Battle of Artemisium.

The Athenians had been building up a large fleet since 483 BC, ostensibly for their ongoing conflict with Aegina. However, it is probable that this build up, initiated by Themistocles, was also made with a future conflict with the Persians in mind. The Athenians initially requested command of the Allied fleet, but let Eurybiades of Sparta command it to preserve unity.

Outline of the Battle of Artemisium (480 BC)

HISTORIC BATTLES

Battle of Artemisium (480 BC)

The Battle of Artemisium, or Battle of Artemision, was a series of naval engagements over three days during the second Persian invasion of Greece. The battle took place simultaneously with the more famous land battle at Thermopylae, in August or September 480 BC, off the coast of Euboea and was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, including Sparta, Athens, Corinth and others, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I. View Historic Battle »

Background: The Greek city-states of Athens and Eretria had supported the unsuccessful Ionian Revolt against the Persian Empire of Darius I in 499-494 BC.

Prelude: The Allied fleet sailed north to Cape Artemisium once it became known that the Persian army was advancing along the coast past Mount Olympus, probably around late July or the beginning of August.

Opposing forces: The Athenians had been building up a large fleet since 483 BC, ostensibly for their ongoing conflict with Aegina.

Strategic and tactical considerations: The Persians were at a significant tactical advantage, outnumbering the Allies and having better sailing ships.

Battle: During the night, another storm broke, preventing the Allies from setting off southwards to counter the Persian detachment sent around the outside of Euboea.

Aftermath: The Allied fleet sailed to Salamis, off the coast of Attica, to assist with the evacuation of the remaining Athenians.

HISTORY

Battle of Artemisium (480 BC)

The Battle of Artemisium, or Battle of Artemision, was a series of naval engagements over three days during the second Persian invasion of Greece. The battle took place simultaneously with the more famous land battle at Thermopylae, in August or September 480 BC, off the coast of Euboea and was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, including Sparta, Athens, Corinth and others, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I.