What was the strategic purpose of the Greek naval force at Artemisium during the Battle of Thermopylae?
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Correct answer: To stop the Persian fleet from flanking the land position at Thermopylae
The Greek fleet at Artemisium fought simultaneously with the land battle at Thermopylae. Its mission was to prevent the Persian navy from sailing around Euboea to land troops behind the Greek army — which would have rendered the Thermopylae defense useless. When Thermopylae fell, the fleet withdrew to Salamis.
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