Battle of Salamis:how did Themistocles manage to frustrate the apparently overwhelming power of Xerxes?

Battle of Salamis

Consider the sea battle of Salamis in 480 BC as the decisive moment in a complex littoral contest between the Persian empire and the alliance of free cities led by Sparta and Athens.

  • How did Themistocles manage to frustrate the apparently overwhelming power of Xerxes?
  • Why did the stronger side lose the battle of Salamis and what part did land operations play in making Salamis possible and decisive.