Teaser: Defence at Artemisium

This is a teaser of the bonus episode, "Defence at Artemisium" found over on Patreon.

Welcome back, we delve deep into the annals of history to uncover the stories that shaped our world. Today, we're setting sail to the ancient waters of Artemisium, where a pivotal moment in Greek history unfolded.

Picture this: It's 480 BCE, and the Persian Empire, led by the indomitable Xerxes, is sweeping across the Aegean Sea with an armada of unprecedented size. But standing in their path are the courageous Greeks, determined to defend their homeland against overwhelming odds.

As the Persian juggernaut advances, the Greeks, under the strategic guidance of Themistocles, must make a critical decision: where to make their stand. And so, they choose Artemisium, a narrow strait off the coast of Euboea.

But why Artemisium? What factors led the Greeks to select this seemingly precarious location to confront the mighty Persian fleet? Was it merely a strategic necessity, or were there deeper reasons at play?

Join me as we unravel the mysteries of Artemisium, exploring the geography, the tactics, and the sheer determination of the Greek defenders. Together, we'll uncover the untold stories behind one of history's most remarkable battles, and gain new insights into the timeless art of war.

So hoist the sails, sharpen your spears, and prepare to journey back in time to the windswept shores of Artemisium. Our odyssey begins now.

If you would like to hear more and support the series click on the Patreon link at the bottom of the page or you can head to my website to discover other ways to support the series, Here

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:16

Hello everyone and welcome back to another bonus episode here on Patreon, where this time we'll be exploring the defence at Artemisium. We have now looked at some of the motivations for Xerxes to launch his invasion of 480 BC into Greece. This saw us compare it to the invasions ordered by his father, darius, 10 years earlier, with it seeming different motivations were driving the two invasions. Darius appears to be ordering the invasion into Greek lands as an extension of the counter-attack during the Ionian Revolt. The locations targeted during this expedition had played some role during the Ionian Revolt in 498, while the number sent by the Persians does not appear to indicate a motivation of complete control of Greek lands. However, xerxes would arrange an invasion, most probably ten times the size as his father's, based off modern estimates. We saw different elements that may have motivated him to relaunch a new attempt into Greece. Herodotus points out those within the court during his father's rule were advising for action, though Herodotus frames this in a story with the notion of the evil advisor as a theme. We also spoke about the tradition under each king of expanding the empire, while the Persians were also well known for treating those who subjugated and behaved very well, while those who defied them they were ruthless against and would not stop until punishment had been dished out. Nevertheless, xerxes would launch his invasion that would see the largest force yet sent west against Greece, while this would also see some of the most impressive engineering works to support the march.

Speaker 1: 1:47

We then turned to how the Greeks would respond to this, the largest invasion yet seen by them. We explored the political makeup of the Greek city-states and how it was not as conducive to organisation and cooperation as an empire or united country. These Greek cities were fiercely independent independent and had long histories of wars between one another. However, we looked at the idea that cooperation, even in this environment, could be arranged when all those involved saw a much larger threat coming from outside. Though even with this cooperation that would take place, only 31 city-states would come together to form the Hellenic League. Many would come to meet eyes or submit to the Persians, but the vast majority of the over 1,000 city-states would remain neutral, though what mattered was the fact that, within the Hellenic League, would be the two most powerful Greek polys, athens and Sparta, who would find the League meeting a number of times, when they would swear the oaths and make arrangements for the defence of Greece. They would, in the lead-up to the invasion, look to recruit more allies, gain information on the Persian forces and look to how best to defend their lands.

Speaker 1: 2:53

After the aborted attempt at making a stand at the Tempe Pass, right on the northern edges of Greek lands, a more organised plan would follow. This would see the Hellenic League send an army to the pass of Thermopylae and a fleet to Artemisium, both situated on the east coast of Greece. It's both of these locations the reason for their selection, and what will take place there we'll now be turning to for our next few episodes. For this episode, we'll be placing the majority of our focus on Artemisium, but also looking at its context in a larger picture of our focus on Artemisium, but also looking at its context in a larger picture. To the east of the Attic coast is the large island of Euboea that runs the length of the Greek coastline along Attica, boeotia, phocis and to where its northern end sits, across the strait from Thessalian territory. It's on this northern end of Euboea that the Cape of Artemisium is located, with the Greek mainland just across the narrow body of water. The strait runs all the way down between the mainland east coast and the western coast of Ybea, to where it then opens out into the sea on the approach to the southern Attic coast. What is also important to note is that the other site we'll be talking about next episode, thermopylae, was located about 40 miles along this strait, on the coast, within the territory of Phocis. So we are now going to turn to the question of why this cape on the northern end of Euboea was chosen to mount the Greeks defensive stance on water against Xerxes fleet. Since we just covered Artemisium's location and the feature of a strait following the coastline beyond it, let's begin there.

Speaker 1: 4:25

Without a museum situated inside the Straits of Euboea, this would see that the vast fleet of the Persians would be contained to a narrow area. As seen with a number of events through the Second Persian Invasion, the idea of a narrow battlefield was favoured by the Greeks. This was due to the fact that they would be outnumbered at all their engagements. So by meeting their enemy on a narrow frontage, they would see that they would not have to face the entire Persian force at once. This would be the case at Artemisium, where only part of the Persian fleet would be able to challenge the Greeks at a time. The narrow straits would also see that greater numbers could prove to be a hindrance With such a large fleet. A portion could be deployed to engage the Greeks, but the rest of the fleet would be in the rear areas waiting to come forward Once the confusion of battle began. These additional lines of ships in the rear could then find themselves having to contend with the wrecks of those deployed before them, while retreating vessels could also prove to be a great hazard, preventing an effective advance of the rear lines or even taking them out of the fight before they met the enemy, with them being fouled on the retreating ships.

Speaker 1: 5:32

Another reason for this position at Artemisium being chosen was due to its proximity to the position that the land forces would make their stand at. Thermopylae was on the coast of Phocis, some 40 miles from Artemisium. The Artemisium position would provide a point where the position at Thermopylae could be protected from any outflanking manoeuvre by the Persian fleet. We'll be exploring Thermopylae more next episode, but the position here was also one that looked to take advantage of the narrow space. To operate in A much smaller force could provide an effective defence against a numerically superior force, though to do this they would need to prevent the supporting Persian fleet being able to undermine this position, though to do this they would need to prevent the supporting Persian fleet being able to undermine this position. So Artemisium would provide the Greek fleet an advantageous position tactically while protecting the Greek land force's flank, while the position would also be close enough for communications to be maintained between the two locations.

Speaker 1: 6:32

From all accounts, we hear about the Persian fleet, far outnumbered the Greeks, but in a restricted area like the Straits, it would be almost impossible, as we have spoken about, to bring to bear their full force at once during battle, though their numbers still favoured them if a battle of attrition were to develop. What the Straits also did was restrict the area that the triremes could manoeuvre in. It has been recorded that the triremes in the Persian fleet were notably lighter and more manoeuvrable than that of the Greek, heavier ships. With this restricted space, the Persian ships would not be able to take full advantage of the speed of their lighter ships. So this may have been another consideration with the location of Artemisium, or it would at least nullify another of the Persians' advantage over the Greek fleet.

Speaker 1: 7:16

One thing we need to address here, though, is the fact that all the advantages of the Artemisian position hinged on the assumption that the Persian fleet would enter into the Euboean Straits on their advance, there was always the possibility that the Persians could sail down the eastern shore of Euboea. However, there are a couple of points that saw this development being unlikely, though during the campaign the Greeks for a moment did think the Persians may be taking this route. The first point would be that in ancient times, fleets on campaign would tend to shadow the land forces they were supporting, normally not being more than a day's sail away from their position, but preferably being within sight of one another. The other major point would be due to the hazardous nature of sailing east around Euboea. This route would see that the open sea would be to the Persians east, which typically meant rougher seas and bad weather to be more likely. As we have seen, great lengths had already been taken to avoid losses due to bad weather so that the route around Mount Athos could be avoided. Having now made it this far, it seems unlikely. Xerxes would now risk the entire fleet. As we have covered in the series before, xerxes would take a gamble by sending some of his fleet on this route, but only after having established themselves in the Straits and now looking to trap the Greeks there. Though, as we saw and will touch on again, avoiding this route was the best course of action, as the Persians would lose this detachment that would be sent to bad weather. So although the Greeks were taking a gamble on the position at Artemisium, the odds were stacked in their favour of the Persians following this path of advance. So, with these considerations in mind, let's briefly look back at what would transpire at Artemisium and if these considerations would come into play.

Speaker 1: 9:04

We have covered in the series that the naval engagements would begin before Artemisium, with scouting ships meeting the Persians. Though on the approach to the straits near Artemisium of the Persian fleet, confusion seems to have developed on the Greek side when a signal fire was lit by an outpost of theirs outside the straits. What the signal was meant to mean we are unsure of, but the Greeks seem to have interpreted it as a signal that the Persians were making their way to sail down the eastern coast of Euboea. The Greeks, thinking this would compromise their position, left lookouts in the hills of Euboea, while the rest of the fleet headed south down the the hills of Euboea, while the rest of the fleet headed south down the Straits of Euboea to Chalcis. If the Persians were indeed sailing in this direction, the Greeks would be able to challenge them at the southern end of the Straits, though it appears either the Athenians had misinterpreted the signal or the men manning the fire signals panicked after being stranded due to the action and defeat of the Greek scouting ships. The fire signals panicked after being stranded due to the action and defeat of the Greek scouting ships. This signal had the result of seeing the Greek fleet depart from Artemisium and head south. If the Persian fleet was heading down the eastern coast, the Greeks would need to intercept them at the southern entrance of this strait. However, it appears the Greek outposts had only observed the ships engaging the Greek scouting ships, as the rest of the Persian fleet had established camp north of Artemisium, at a peninsula in Thessalian territory.

Speaker 1: 10:27

The next day, it would seem that Greek prayers had been answered, as, at the start of the campaign, the Delphians had received advice from their own oracle, which they had reported to all the Greek states defending Hellas. The oracle had told them pray to the winds, for they will be good allies to Greece. As the Persians began the day after their first night on the peninsula, the calm weather they had been experiencing had turned. A violent storm had whipped up. Some of the crews were able to see what was happening and managed to beach their ships along the coast, but many were caught off the coast, with many being smashed up against the hills. Herodotus says that at least 400 ships were lost in the storm, which would rage for three days. Many men were lost, as well as a great deal of treasure, as many merchant vessels had fallen victim to the storm.

Speaker 1: 11:16

The Greeks that had been left in the hills of Euboea had witnessed the storm and what befell the Persian fleet out at sea During the storm. Messengers were able to be sent to the Greek fleet at Chalcis, in the south of the Straits, to inform them of the Persian losses and also, presumably, that the fleet was not making their way along the eastern coast of Euboea. With this news, the Greeks made ready their fleet to sail back to Artemisium as soon as possible. With this news, the Greeks made ready their fleet to sail back to Artemisium as soon as possible. The Persians regrouped after the storm, sending the surviving ships south to Ephitae, opposite the Greek position at Artemisium. Meanwhile, 15 Persian ships, delayed or assisting with repairs, mistook a gathering of Greek ships for their own fleet, only realising to their error when intercepted by the Greeks.

Speaker 1: 12:01

As both sides were amassing, confusion reigned over who arrived first, witnessing the full might of the Persian navy. Panic gripped the Greeks contemplating retreat. The Euboeans, fearing invasion, offered bribes to Greek commanders to maintain their position. Themistocles, accepting these bribribes, persuaded most of the commanders to stay, profiting handsomely. As the Persians continued to arrive, outnumbering the Greeks, they devised a plan to trap them, detaching 200 ships to circumnavigate Euboea and cut off the Greeks' escape, where they awaited a signal before attacking. In the midst of this tension, a Persian deserter, scyllius, arrived in the Greek camp, seeking refuge after swimming 10 miles underwater from the Persian positions, and where he would inform the Greeks of the plans of the Persians. The Greek commanders, after learning of the Persian intentions, had formulated a plan that they would turn and engage the detachment the following day, but would stay put for now.

Speaker 1: 13:03

As the new day dawned, the absence of the Persian detachment prompted the Greeks to reassess their strategy. Discussions continued. Wary of the looming threat from the main Persian fleet, opting for a new approach, they resolved to test the Persian tactics aiming at avoiding a prolonged confrontation favouring the enemy's overwhelming numbers. In the late afternoon, the Greeks assembled and set sail, mindful of the impending darkness, they knew that once night fell, launching a coordinated attack would become exceedingly difficult. The audacity of their move surprised the Persians who eagerly advanced to meet them, confident of their superiority. Encircling the Greeks, the Persians cut off any chance of retreat. Though sensing an opportunity, the Greeks swiftly formed a defensive circle, their triremes bows facing outwards like spear points, the Persians pressed forward, only to fall into the Greeks' trap. As the two sides clashed, confusion reigned. Amidst the chaos of battle, both sides sought refuge along their respective shorelines, with the Greeks emerging victorious, having captured 30 Persian vessels in the melee. The outcome bolstered Greek morale, showing that strategic cunning could triumph over numerical superiority. As night fell, divine winds once again swept across the waters, conjuring a fierce storm that wreaked havoc on the Persian shoreline and those on their flanking mission.

Speaker 1: 14:30

As dawn broke on the second day, the Persian force busied themselves with cleaning up after the previous night's storm, with no immediate plans for attack. They awaited signals from their detachment. However, as the morning wore on, they would have learned of the disaster at the hollows and the collapse of their own battle plan, with a new course of action needed. The Persians remained idle for the day. Meanwhile, on the Greek shore, morale soared as reinforcements arrived at Artemisium. The news of the destruction of the Persian force attempting to block their retreat lifted a weight from the minds of Eurybates and Themistocles. Plans were made for another evening skirmish or raid, albeit with only a fraction of their force participating. Observing the activity on the Persian side, the Greeks targeted a patrol of Persian triremes With swift action. They dispatched the patrol and then returned ashore to avoid Persian retaliation.

Speaker 1: 15:27

As darkness fell, the Persians could do little but watch, lacking the daylight to mount a decisive response. With news of reinforcements and another victory, greek spirits remained high. Meanwhile, at Thermopylae, a detachment moved to outflank the Greek position, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Greeks in the larger context of their defensive plan pressure. Despite refraining from offensive manoeuvres, they suffered significant losses in ships due to storms and skirmishes with the Greeks. Their initial plan to trap the Greeks had been thwarted by the gods' intervention which annihilated their detaching force. Xerxes, overseeing operations at Thermopylae would surely have been displeased with the situation unfolding at Artemisium.

Speaker 1: 16:18

With a full day to devise a new strategy, the Persians prepared to take the offensive. The Persian camp buzzed with activity as crews readied their vessels for a full-scale battle. By midday, the Persian fleet departed from Ephetae, intent on annihilating the Greek defenders, to open the straits for an unhindered passage into Greece. The Greeks, in turn, aimed to stall the Persian advance, thus aiding their counterparts at Thermopylae. As the Persian fleet moved to surround the Greek position in a crescent formation, the Greeks abandoned their defensive stance and rode out to engage.

Speaker 1: 16:54

The ensuing battle, described by Herodotus, was more than a mere skirmish, with both fleets fully committed. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Greeks fought with determination to defend their homeland, while the Persians sought to avoid the shame of defeat by a smaller force. As the sun descended towards the horizon, both fleets began to disengage from the carnage in the straits and return to their camps. The Greeks suffered heavy losses in men and ships, particularly the Athenians. Yet individuals distinguished themselves in the fray. Among the Persian fleet, the Egyptian contingent stood out for capturing five Greek ships and their crews, albeit at a great cost.

Speaker 1: 17:35

Despite their initial success, the Greeks realised that their current position was unsustainable. Continuing the battle of Attrition would only lead to eventual defeat, annihilating the entire Greek fleet. Should this occur, the war would be lost, with the Persians able to operate freely in the waters around Greece, so the Greeks would withdraw to be able to fight another day, withdraw to be able to fight another day. So the Greeks would abandon their position at Artemisium due to the attritional style tactics taking place. However, as we will see next episode, more motivation to depart had come when news arrived of the situation at Thermopylae.

Speaker 1: 18:14

However, for this episode, I wanted to highlight why the Greeks chose Artemisium as a position where they would make their defensive stand at sea. As we saw, the location was chosen due to the narrower body of water the Persians would be forced to sail into. Given that the Greeks, during this invasion, were outnumbered, these types of battlefields were preferable, since it wouldn't allow the enemy to deploy their entire line at once. Since it wouldn't allow the enemy to deploy their entire line at once On open water or land. Should the Persians be able to do this, they would be in a position to easily outflank and envelop the Greek battle line.

Speaker 1: 18:48

Artemisium had proved to be the position as far north the Greeks could expect to give it reasonable defence, given its proximity to Thermopylae, another battlefield with a narrow frontage. If these places should be overrun, which they were, it still gave the Greeks time and room to work with to establish further defensive efforts. Next episode, we'll be heading 40 miles away to the position of Thermopylae and look at why this position was chosen as a forward line of defence on land, while also looking at the legends that would emerge from this battle and the reality of the situation. Thank you all for the continued support here on Patreon. I greatly appreciate it. I hope you look forward to next month's episode where we'll look at the defence of Thermopylae.