September 20

Battle of Salamis — Greek Navy Destroys Persia's Fleet

Athenian Admiral Themistocles lured the massive Persian fleet into the narrow Salamis strait, where numbers were irrelevant and Greek triremes' superior maneuverability proved decisive. Around 200 Persian ships were sunk or captured.

Salamis saved Greek civilization from Persian conquest and set the stage for the final Persian defeat at Plataea; the battle is considered one of the most consequential in history.