August 479 BC · Plataea, Boeotia Theater
August 479 BC
Mardonius, commanding the Persian land army left behind after Salamis, encamped on the plain before Plataea. A combined Greek army of some 38,000 hoplites and 70,000 light troops faced them. For eleven days the armies manoeuvred without decisive engagement as Mardonius' cavalry harassed Greek supply lines. When the Greeks attempted a night withdrawal, their formations became disordered — Mardonius seized the moment and attacked. The Spartans held their ground against determined Persian assault; Mardonius was killed in the fighting. His death broke Persian morale and the army disintegrated, pursued by Greek cavalry. Tens of thousands of Persians were killed or captured.
Commanders