A Short History of the Battle of Salamis
In this one time short lecture, students will learn about the beginning of the Athenian golden age from a maritime perspective.
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hoursAssessment
no tests!Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Beginner Level
This class will be a very quick introduction to the Battle of Salamis, between the allied Greek states led by Athens, and the invading Persian army/navy. This class is structured around a powerpoint with plenty of maps centering around the decisions made by the Admiral Themistocles, who brilliantly orchestrated a campaign against the invading Persians. Time will be devoted at the end to a very quick analysis of the political fallout of the battle and how Athens went from a tiny power to a regional heavyweight with an empire of its own. There will be plenty of time in between for detailed questions and answers as we come together to try to understand one of the most pivotal moments in Western history.
Learning Goals
Students will learn about naval tactics, how deception is used in war, as well as more about Athens in general. We tend to think of this society as a prosperous, peaceful democracy.It is my hope that students come away with a deeper understanding of how just one military victory can change everything regarding that societies trajectory.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Lords of the Sea: the Epic Story of the Athenian Navy and the Birth of Democracy, by John R. Hale, Viking, 2014.
The Landmark Thucydides: a Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War.” The Landmark Thucydides: a Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War, by Robert B. Strassler and Victor Davis. Hanson, Free Press, 1998.
Strauss, Barry. The Battle of Salamis: the Naval Encounter That Saved Greece -- and Western Civilization, Simon & Schuster, 2005.
Joined May, 2023
Teacher expertise and credentials
My relevant experience and training regarding classical history such as this includes an extensive list of undergraduate courses and studies culminating in term paper centering around Athenian naval history from 480 (the battle of Salamis) to 405 (the battle of Aegospotami). Extensive time has been devoted to the study of everything from the construction of Triremes to the agricultural output of Attica and how it affected population density. Salamis in particular remains a rich area of study for scholars everywhere and as a result much is continually being published about it, meaning that there is always something new to learn or read!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$14
per classMeets once
25 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-6 learners per class
