How did Greek triremes defeat the larger Persian navy at Salamis?

At the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE, the Greek fleet achieved a decisive victory over the much larger navy of Xerxes I by leveraging geography and superior tactics.12

The Greek commander, Themistocles, deliberately lured the Persian fleet into the narrow straits between the island of Salamis and the mainland. This strategic choice neutralized the Persian numerical advantage, as the cramped waters prevented their massed ships from maneuvering effectively.132

In these confined conditions, the Greek triremes utilized their bronze-clad rams to pierce the hulls of Persian vessels. The Greeks also employed heavily armed marines to board and capture enemy ships, engaging in hand-to-hand combat that favored their position. While the Persian fleet possessed more experienced sailors, the narrow environment forced them into a disorganized formation, leading to the destruction of approximately 300 Persian ships compared to only 40 Greek losses. This defeat forced Xerxes to retreat to Asia, effectively ending his immediate naval dominance.453612