Battle of Plataea: What Happened
In August 479 BC, the Greek allies fought the last great land battle of the Persian invasion near Plataea, in Boeotia. After his defeat at Salamis, King Xerxes had returned to Asia but left a large army in Greece under his general Mardonius. The Greeks assembled the largest army they had ever fielded, perhaps around 40,000 heavy infantry plus many light troops, led by the Spartan regent Pausanias, with the Athenians under Aristides. For days, the two armies faced each other while Persian cavalry harassed the Greeks and cut off their water supply. When the Greeks attempted a night withdrawal to a better position, it fell into disorder, and Mardonius attacked. The Spartans and their neighbors from Tegea held firm and counterattacked. Mardonius was killed, and the Persian army collapsed. The Greek victory at Plataea, together with the naval triumph at Mycale around the same time, ended the Persian threat to mainland Greece for good. The allies swore an oath of unity, and the victors dedicated a bronze serpent column at Delphi, part of which survives in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Plataea?
The Battle of Plataea, in August 479 BC, was the last great land battle of the Persian invasion of Greece. A Greek alliance defeated the Persian army of Mardonius near Plataea in Boeotia.
Who led the Greeks at Plataea?
The Greek army was led by the Spartan regent Pausanias, with the Athenians commanded by Aristides. It was the largest army the Greeks had ever assembled.
What happened to Mardonius?
Mardonius, the Persian commander left in Greece by Xerxes, was killed in the fighting. His death caused the Persian army to collapse and flee.
Why was the Battle of Plataea important?
Together with the naval victory at Mycale, Plataea ended the Persian threat to mainland Greece for good and opened the way for Athens' golden age.
What is the Serpent Column?
The Serpent Column was a bronze monument dedicated at Delphi to celebrate the victory at Plataea. Part of it survives today in the Hippodrome of Istanbul, where Constantine moved it.
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