Thermopylae: The Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE was a crucial event where a small force of Greek soldiers, led by King Leonidas, held off a massive Persian army for several days at a narrow mountain pass. Although the Greeks were ultimately defeated, their heroic stand significantly delayed the Persian advance and gave other Greek city-states time to prepare their defenses.
Salamis: The Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE was a naval engagement between the Greek and Persian fleets. The Greeks, led by the Athenian general Themistocles, used cunning tactics to exploit the weaknesses of the Persian navy. They lured the Persians into a narrow strait, where their larger ships were less maneuverable, and then launched a devastating attack with their smaller, more agile vessels. The Greek victory at Salamis effectively destroyed the Persian fleet and ended their hopes of conquering Greece by sea.
Delaying Tactics: The Greeks also employed various delaying tactics to hinder the Persian advance. For instance, they destroyed roads, bridges, and water sources along the route that the Persians would take. They also launched guerrilla attacks and ambushes to harass and slow down the Persian army. These tactics bought the Greeks valuable time to strengthen their defenses and mobilize their forces.
Diplomacy: The Greeks engaged in diplomatic efforts to gain allies and support from other Greek city-states. They also tried to sow discord and disunity among the Persian forces by exploiting conflicts between different ethnic groups within the Persian Empire. These diplomatic maneuvers helped the Greeks build a stronger alliance against the Persians and further delayed their invasion.