039 The Greek Counterattack
The History of Ancient Greece
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The Battle of Plataea
Herodotus reports that on the very same day as the decisive Battle of Plataea, a naval battle supposedly took place at Miccoli off the coast of Asia Minor. Greek strategy had put the emphasis on the land campaign in 479 BC but it made sense to threaten Ionia by a forward advance and thus put the pressure on Mardonius. The Persian fleet was still larger, even after its defeated Salamis, and in the open waters its speed and maneuverability would have the advantage. Their unwillingness to fight a sea battle confirmed their fleets demoralization; they fled inland for protection.
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