Page:Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography Volume II.djvu/654

 638 PLATAEA. not present at Salamis, as they had to leave the fleet in order to remove their families and prujierty from the city, in consequence of the approach of the Persian army. (Herod, viii. 44.) Upon the arrival of the Persians shortly afterwards their city was bm-nt to the ground. (Herod, viii. ,50.) In the fol- lowing year (b. c. 479) their territory was the scene of the memorable battle, which delivered Greece from the Persian invaders. The history of this battle illustrates so completely the topography of the Pla- taean territory, that it is necessary to give an account of the different positions taken by thecontending forces (See accompanying ]Iap). Mardonius proceeded from Attica into Boeotia across Mount Parnes by the pass of Deceleia, and took up a position on the bank of the Asopus, where he caused a fortified camp to be con- structed of 10 stadia square. The situation was well selected, since he had the friendly city of Thebes in his rear, and was thus in no danger of falling short of provisions. (Herod, ix. 15.) The Grecian army crossed over from Attica by Mt. Cithaerou ; but as Pausanias did not choose to expose his troops to the attacks of the Persian cavalry on the plain, he stationed them on the slopes of the mountain, near Erythrae, where the ground was rugged and uneven. (See Map, First Position.) This position did not, however, altogether preserve them ; but, in an attack made by the Persian cavalry, a body of 300 Athenians repulsed them, and killed their leader Masistius. This success encouraged Pausanias to PLATAEA. descend into the territory of Plataea, more especially as it was better supplied with water than his present position. Marching from Erythrae in a westerly position along the roots of Mt. Cithaeron, and passing by Hysiae, he drew up his army along the right bank of the Asopus, partly upon hills of no great height and partly upon a lofty plain, the right wing being near the fountain Gargaphia, and the left near the chapel of the Plataean hero Androcrates. (Herod, ix. 25 — 30.) Mardonius drew up his anny opposite to them on the other side of the Asopus. (See Map, Second Position.) The two armies remained in this position for some days, neither party being willing to begin the attack. The Persians assailed the Greeks at a distance with their missiles, and prevented them altogether from watering at the Asopus. Meantime the Persian cavalry intercepted the convoys of pro- visions proceeding to the Grecian camp, and on one occasion drove away the Lacedaemonians, who oc- cupied the right wing from the fountain Gargaphia, and succeeded in choking it up. This fountain had been of late the only watering-place of the Greeks ; and as their ground was now untenable, Pausanias resolved to retreat in the night to a place called the Island (^vrjaos^, about 10 stadia in the rear of their present position, and halfway between the latter and the town of Plataea. The spot selected, improperly calied an island, was, in fact, a level meadow, com- prised between two branches of the river Oeroe, which, rising frjm distinct sources in Mt. Cithaeron, I a. Persians. b. Athenians. c. Lacedaemonians. d. Various Greek allies. BATTLE OF PLATAEA. I. First Position occupied by the opposing armies. II. Second Position. III. Third Position. A. Road from Plataea to Thebes. B. Road from Megara to Tliebes. C. Persian camp, n. Erythrae. E. Uysiae.