The Persian Wars: The Battle of Salamis

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
7 questions
~14 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different interpretations of the significance of the Battle of Salamis during the Persian Wars. Students will analyze contrasting historians' views, evaluate their arguments, and develop their understanding of ancient history debates.

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The Persian Wars: The Battle of Salamis

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Interpretations of the Significance of the Battle of Salamis

Historian A: Herodotus – Military and Political Perspective

'Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, emphasizes the strategic brilliance of the Greek fleet at Salamis. He portrays the battle as a decisive turning point that saved Greece from Persian conquest. Herodotus highlights the leadership of Themistocles and the importance of naval power in Greek independence. He considers Salamis as a crucial victory that shifted the balance of power and demonstrated Greek unity and resilience.'

Historian B: Thucydides – Social and Cultural Perspective

'Thucydides, another ancient Greek historian, offers a different view. He focuses on the social and cultural impact of Salamis, emphasizing how the Greek victory fostered a sense of shared identity and confidence among city-states. Thucydides suggests that the battle was as much about psychological morale and unity as it was about military tactics, strengthening Greek cultural pride and independence.'

B

Questions

1.
Summarize each historian's view on the significance of the Battle of Salamis.
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the reasons why Herodotus and Thucydides believe the Battle of Salamis was important.
[4 marks]
3.
Explain which historian's view you find more convincing and give reasons for your opinion.
[6 marks]
4.
Outline how the different perspectives of Herodotus and Thucydides can help us better understand the importance of Salamis.
[6 marks]
5.
Describe one way in which Herodotus's view differs from Thucydides's view.
[2 marks]
6.
Analyse why historians might have different views about the importance of Salamis.
[6 marks]
7.
Evaluate which historian's interpretation you find more convincing and explain why.
[8 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet