Battle of Mycale: What Happened
In 479 BC, around the same time as the Greek land victory at Plataea, a Greek fleet crossed the Aegean and struck the Persians at Mycale, a mountainous peninsula on the coast of Ionia, opposite the island of Samos. The fleet was commanded by the Spartan king Leotychidas, with the Athenians led by Xanthippus, father of Pericles. The Persian navy, still weakened after Salamis, avoided a sea battle. Instead, the Persians pulled their ships onto the shore at Mycale and built a fortified camp protected by a large army. The Greeks landed and attacked. During the fighting, Ionian Greeks serving in the Persian forces switched sides or deserted, and the Greeks stormed the camp, killed many of the defenders and burned the beached fleet. Ancient tradition held that the victories at Plataea and Mycale took place on the same day. Mycale destroyed what remained of the Persian fleet in the Aegean and sparked a new revolt among the Ionian cities. It marked the moment the Greeks moved from defending their homeland to going on the offensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Mycale?
The Battle of Mycale was fought in 479 BC on the coast of Ionia, opposite Samos. A Greek force landed and destroyed a Persian army and the beached remains of the Persian fleet.
Who led the Greeks at Mycale?
The Greeks were led by the Spartan king Leotychidas, with the Athenian contingent commanded by Xanthippus, the father of the future statesman Pericles.
Why did Ionian Greeks change sides at Mycale?
Many Ionian Greeks serving in the Persian forces resented Persian rule. During the battle, some switched sides or deserted, helping the Greeks storm the Persian camp.
Did Mycale happen on the same day as Plataea?
Ancient tradition held that Mycale and Plataea were fought on the same day. Whether or not this is exact, the two victories together ended the Persian invasion.
What happened after the Battle of Mycale?
The victory sparked a new revolt among the Ionian cities and marked the moment the Greeks moved from defending their homeland to attacking Persian territory, leading to the Delian League.
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