How did Greek geography help Greece in the Persian wars?

The Persian Empire was separated from Greece by the Aegan Sea which proved to be among the most significant geographical challenges during the Greco-Persian Wars. The Persians lost a significant number of their combatants due to sea storms as they made their way to Greece. Crossing the Aegan also made their advance slow and noticeable to the Greeks, losing any opportunity for a surprise attack.

The terrain was also mountainous which proved a challenge for...

The Persian Empire was separated from Greece by the Aegan Sea which proved to be among the most significant geographical challenges during the Greco-Persian Wars. The Persians lost a significant number of their combatants due to sea storms as they made their way to Greece. Crossing the Aegan also made their advance slow and noticeable to the Greeks, losing any opportunity for a surprise attack.

The terrain was also mountainous which proved a challenge for advancing Persian armies. The Greek armies received training in their natural environment which helped them get accustomed to the harsh terrain. This heightened level of awareness with regards to their environment, helped them in applying effective strategies against their opponents. For instance, during the Battle at Thermopylae, the Greeks were able to hold off the Persian Army by creating a blockade along the narrow pass. They did this successfully until they were betrayed by a fellow Greek, who showed the Persians an alternative route.

The Greeks were to some extent aided by the geography of their territory against the Persians, who were exposed to greater risks while navigating the waterways and were also unaccustomed to the mountainous terrain.