Book 8
75.2
He now came by boat and said to the generals of the barbarians, “The Athenian general has sent me without the knowledge of the other Hellenes. He is on the king's side and prefers that your affairs prevail, not the Hellenes'. I am to tell you that the Hellenes are terrified and plan flight, and you can now perform the finest deed of all if you do not allow them to escape.
75.3
They do not all have the same intent, and they will no longer oppose you. Instead you will see them fighting against themselves, those who are on your side against those who are not.” After indicating this to them he departed.
76.1
Finding the message credible, they first landed many of the Persians on the islet of Psyttalea, which lies between Salamis (island), Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, EuropeSalamis and the mainland. When it was midnight, they brought their western wing in a circle towards Salamis (island), Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, EuropeSalamis, and those stationed at +Kea [24.366,37.566] (island), Cyclades, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Ceos and Cynosura also put out to sea, occupying all the passage as far as Munychia with their ships.
76.2
They launched their ships in this way so that the Hellenes would have no escape: they would be trapped at Salamis (island), Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, EuropeSalamis and pay the penalty for the battles at +Artemisium [23.2417,39.0083] (Perseus) Artemisium. The purpose of their landing Persians on the islet called Psyttalea was this: when the battle took place, it was chiefly there that the men and wrecks would be washed ashore, for the island lay in the path of the impending battle. The Persians would be able to save some of those who washed up and kill the others.
76.3
They did this in silence for fear that their enemies hear, making their preparations at night without sleep.
