The defeat of Persia in 479 BC could arguably be much attributed to Spartan leadership. However, it is vital to note that such leadership was not solely responsible for Greek triumph, nor was it immune to problems and limitations.
Sparta's leadership could easily be said to have had a large impact on the war against Persia. According to Hammond, "The nucleus of power around which [the Greek congress] was built was the Spartan alliance...".
Sparta could be seen to be the natural leader in the Greek effort against Xerxes for several reasons, first of which being that Sparta was recognized throughout Greece as having the best infantrymen, which gave them an advantage over Athens due to the idea that "military power had always counted for more than naval power." --Hammond.
…
