I will discuss the battles that took place under Xerxes invasion, and the other aspects of significance around each of these battles. The battles of significance were at Thermopylae, Artemisium and the crucial last battle of Salamis where Xerxes was defeated. I will also discuss other elements which ultimately all contributed to Xerxes failure, such as tactics, cleverness, luck and the role that the gods play.

For Xerxes to invade Greece and succeed, he would have to win battles. To be successful, you have to win battles. Given the size of Xerxes army and fleet, you would be forgiven if you thought that Xerxes won many battles. This however is not the case. The fact is that Xerxes didn't actually come across any resistance on his way to Greece because the shear size of his forces...