The vast differences between the size and nature of the Greek and Persian forces led to the adoption of opposing strategies. The Persians attempted to utilise their numbers to quickly overwhelm the Greek resistance, whilst the Greeks had to devise more cunning approaches to offset their deficit in number. Despite Herodotus' viewpoint of hurried and disordered reactions of the Greeks, there is evidence to suggest a designated Greek plan which was adhered to by their …showed first 75 words of 1097 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1097 total…by the size of their force. This led them to severely underestimate the resolve and capability of the Greek force. Despite the Persian strategy of fear and frontal assault, the Greeks exhibited a series of planned retreats and used geographical features to defeat the Persians. Herodotus' theory of unplanned spontaneous defence is dispelled by the ordered and efficient Greek resistance. Coincidence could not explain the resounding success of the Greeks in repelling the Persian forces.