Counselor of the King of Kings
Characters:
Theme: The Second Persian invasion of Greece
Competencies
Competence in Linguistic Communication
Personal, social and learning to learn competence
Competence in cultural awareness and expressions
Subjects and year by Educational System
Spain > Classical culture > 4th ESO > Classical roots of today's world. History and socio-political evolution
Enunciation
Artemisia of Halicarnassus was born in the city currently known as Bodrum (Turkey), and was the tyrant of the region of Caria (Asia Minor). She commanded a small fleet of five ships with which she joined the Persian army of the Great King Xerxes I in his expedition against the Greeks in the Second Persian invasion of Greece. She fought at the head of her troops and led them in the battles of Artemisium and Salamis.
1- After reading the review that you will find in the cited link, answer the questions:
- Why does Artemisia advise against confronting the Greeks by sea?
Sánchez Sanz, Arturo, «El poder naval de Grecia en el s. V a.C.», in Metahistoria, (retrieved on 3/01/2022), <El poder naval de Grecia en el S. V a.C. (metahistoria.com)>
2- Watch the video about the Battle of Salamis and answer the questions:
«Las protagonistas de la batalla de Salamina», in Youtube, (retrieved on 3/01/2022), <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqLmnozlD-s>
- Was Xerxes right to disregard Artemisia's advice?
- Comment briefly what happened in the battle.
Observations and context
Other famous rulers were Artemisia II (4th century BC), who, when widowed by her husband Mausolus of Caria (377 – 353 BC), ordered the construction of a grandiose and spectacular funerary monument in his honor, considered one of the seven wonders of Antiquity: the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus; Cleopatra Philopator (1st century BC), queen of Egypt, or Zenobia of Palmyra (3rd century AD). Of these, Cleopatra and Zenobia also commanded their armies, in this case against the Romans, and they were joined by others, such as Boudica, queen of the Iceni, who led several British tribes against the Romans.
Description
Students are asked to read an article on the naval power of Greece in ancient times, so that it becomes clear why Xerxes disregarded the advice of Artemisia of Halicarnassus when she told him not to confront the Greeks by sea. This is the reason why it is also recommended to watch the video that recounts the battle of Salamis: Xerxes disregarded Artemisia's advice, and the students' reflection should be aimed at deducing why Xerxes should have followed this woman's advice.
Reading of fragments, obtaining data, reflection, search for information.