Thermopylae
Which Spartan king led the Greek forces at Thermopylae?
Leonidas
What phrase did the Delphic oracle use that Themistocles interpreted as referring to the Athenian fleet?
“The wooden wall only shall not fall”
Who commanded the Spartan forces at Plataea?
Pausanias
Where was the Serpent Column originally erected?
Delphi
Who was Ephialtes?
The Greek traitor that revealed the secret passage around the mountains to the Persians.
According to Herodotus (8.60), why did Themistocles argue the narrow straits were advantageous?
They limited Persian numbers and favoured Greek navy.
Which city fought alongside the Athenians at Plataea, continuing their earlier alliance?
Plataea
What was the Greek password at Mycale?
“Hebe.”
How many Greek states were originally inscribed on the column?
31
According to Herodotus, which states remained with the Spartans at Thermopylae?
The Thespians and the Thebans?
Why did the Athenians give up the command of the navy before Salamis?
So that the Greeks would be united together against Persia
What happened to Mardonius at Plataea?
He was killed in battle—struck by a stone and speared during the rout—causing the Persian army to collapse
Which Spartan commander led the fleet?
Leotychides
Which three city-states were listed first on the Serpent Column?
Sparta (at the top), then Athens, then Corinth — in order of prestige.
According to Herodotus (7.223-224), why did Leonidas dismiss most of the Greek army?
He wished to preserve other Greeks while fulfilling Sparta’s law of never retreating.
Which commander does Herodotus (8.94) accuse of fleeing in panic at Salamis?
Adeimantus of Corinth – an Athenian story denied by the Corinthians.
What advantages are the Spartans noted to have by Herodotus?
Superior training, weaponry and armour.
How did Leotychides appeal to the Ionians serving Persia?
He urged them to “remember Freedom” and defect to the Greeks.
What was the purpose of the Serpent Column?
A dedication of thanks to the gods by the states who combined to fight the Persians at Plataea.
In Herodotus (8.100-103), how does Mardonius react to the Persian defeat?
He urges Xerxes not to despair, claiming “the decisive struggle will depend on men and horses,” and offers to continue the war with 300 000 troops.
How did the Persians react to Leotychides’ speech to the Ionians?
They distrusted their Ionian troops, disarmed the Samians, and stationed the Milesians away from the main fighting (Herodotus 9.99)
In what symbolic way does the Serpent Column connect the victories of Plataea and Mycale?
It commemorates both as joint triumphs over Persia and represents the culmination of pan-Hellenic cooperation — the final proof of “Greek freedom” celebrated at Delphi.