02-16-2012, 08:28 PM
Quote:Whilst lacking the specific details you point out Tom, I'm pretty sure they would have set up supply bases at regular intervals. Nominally, or actually, controlling territory right up to the Thessalian borders - this shouldn't have been too difficult.
Playing the devil's advocate, I would disagree here. I think that establishing supply bases in Europe would be very risky business for the Persians. There is no chance they would trust their "allies" with garrisoning and keeping the huge amounts of provisions stockpiled. Such an action would attract attacks and raids by the numerous hostile tribes and the willingness of the allies to put up resistance would be questionable. It would be easier for them to just compensate the allies for provisions given. I am sure that such depots would have been organized in Asia. I would here again remind of the importance of the cargo ships. I personally do not think that Xerxes was really worried of how to provide for his army if only he thought that his war-fleet was strong enough to keep the Greeks from being a major harassment and the campaign quick enough to not demand the supply lines to be maintained for too long (winter would also be a major problem for a huge army, since ships would not be able to safely make the trip).
