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.