ARISTIDES-An ostracized Athenian he was the political enemy of Themistocles. He braved the Persian blockade at Salamis to warn the Greeks that they were trapped.
ARTABANUS-Xerxes uncle and the first Persian not to support the war. Eventually he agrees to it after "visions" and continues to offer conservative advice throughout the war. Xerxes' father figure.
ARTEMISIA-Only woman to fight in the Persian wars she was liked by Xerxes and gave him advice. During the battle of Salamis she rammed a friendly ship to save herself but Xerxes though that she sunk a Greek raising her in his eyes.
CYRUS: Early king of Persia and a man extremely important to the early rise of the Persian empire.
CROESUS: King of Ionia. He and his army were defeated by Cyrus after they attacked Persia on the advice of an oracle which told him if he attacked Persia, a great kingdom would fall. Croesus failed to realize, however, that the kingdom which would fall would be his own.
DARIUS: King of Persia during the Battle of Marathon. After Marathon, he swore vengeance against the Greeks, but died before he could invade. He was the father of Xerxes.
DELPHI-Ancient oracle where all Greeks received divine advice. Cities that fought in the war sought its advice on which side to fight for. When Xerxes' army attacked it the temple saved itself through portents.
EURYBIADES-The Spartan that led the naval force of the Greeks. He was not a king but chosen to lead the navy because not all people would fight for a Athenian leader. Made the decision to fight at Salamis but not a strong leader.
HOPLITES: Greek armored foot soldiers, as pictured here. These infantrymen constituted the main line of defense for cities such as Athens and especially Sparta.
LEONIDAS-One of the two Spartan kings. Died at Thermopylae defending the pass against the Persians. Despite the overwhelming Persian force Leonidas held the pass for days until he was betrayed and they were taken from the rear.
MARDONIUS-Cousin to the king he wanted Xerxes to go to war so that he could eventually govern Greece. He loved mischief and wanted a war to occupy him. Xerxes left him behind after the battle of Salamis to try and conquer the Greeks.
MEGISTIAS-Seer that was with the Greek force at Thermopylae. He predicted the upcoming loss and refused to leave dying with the troops.
PYTHIUS-A Lydian that showed Xerxes great hospitality offering 2000 talents of silver and 3,993,000 gold darics to the war effort. Asks that his oldest son not have to fight and in response Xerxes kills son and army marches out past his body.
THEMISTOCLES-Athenian commander during the wars. He was the first to suggest that the Athenians should build a fleet and was the one who tricked Xerxes into fighting in the narrow straights of Salamis.
XERXES: King of Persia and invader of Greece. The son of Darius, his story constitutes the bulk of the Persian War.
