Historical Background
The Persian emperor Xerxes I led a massive invasion of Greece to avenge the defeat of his father’s forces at Marathon. After annihilating the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae, Xerxes captured and burned Athens. Macedon, Thessaly and Boeotia submitted to Xerxes. However, following the loss of the Persian fleet at Salamis (480), Xerxes withdrew to Asia and left Mardonius with half of the Persian land forces to continue the subjugation of Greece. Amid much bickering, an allied Greek army was formed under the Spartan Pausanias, and moved to oppose the Persians. The Greeks were always careful to stay in terrain that negated the Persian cavalry. The Persian cavalry attacked anyway, but their commander Masistias was killed. Ceasing direct combat, the Persian cavalry began raiding effectively, poisoning the Greek’s water supply and destroying a large Greek baggage train. Short of water and food, Pausanias ordered a night withdrawal, but only the allies in the center did so. The Spartan right and Athenian left were both still standing fast at first light. Mardonius ordered an advance to exploit his perceived advantage, and attacked the Athenian units on the Greek left wing. It was a fierce onslaught that prevented the Athenians from moving to assist the Spartans who were being pressed hard on the right. Holding back until the omens were right, the Spartans were finally ordered to charge, routing all before them and killing Mardonius. The sight of Persians retreating unnerved Artabazus’ forces and they also fled the field. The victory at Plataea meant the Persian threat to Greece was effectively ended.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
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War Council
Persian Army (Use Persian light tan blocks)
• Leader: Mardonius
• 5 Command Cards 
• Move First 
Greek Army (Use Spartan orange and bronze Hoplite blocks)
• Leader: Pausanias
• 5 Command Cards
Victory
6 Banners
Special Rules
• The two Persian Immortal units are special units. Place a special unit block in the same hex as these units to distinguish them from other units. The Immortals are armed with bows and will also follow Ranged Combat rules.
• The Hoplite Infantry rule is in effect.
• Three Spartan units are special five bronze block MH units.
