039. Salamis with Professor Barry Strauss

The battle of Salamis was the defining naval conflict of the ancient Greek world. Occurring in the wake of the Greek defeat at Thermopylae, the allied Hellenic fleet lined up in the narrow strait between mainland Attica and the nearby island of Salamis. Opposing them was the might of Persia's seabound forces. Although whittled down somewhat via storms, attrition and conflict, the Mede still outnumbered their opponents by a ratio of around 4 to 1.

Joining me to discuss the conflict is Cornell University Professor and esteemed author, Professor Barry Strauss.  Released in 2006, his work titled the Battle of Salamis was in the Professor's own words his 'love letter to Athens.' And it is to the Athenians that the lion's share of glory belongs to in this episode.

Although nominally under Spartan command, the backbone of the fleet was made up by Athenian citizens who, under the guidance of the visionary Themistocles, built a navy capable of withstanding the will of an eastern potentate. 

I hope you enjoy our discussion and, take good care.

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