Why was Sidon important to Xerxes I’s invasion of Greece in 480 BCE?

During the Achaemenian Empire’s invasion of Greece in 480 BCE, Sidon held significant strategic importance as the principal city of Phoenicia.1

Sidon’s contribution was vital to the Persian military effort for the following reasons:

• Naval Superiority: The ships provided by Sidon were considered the finest component of the massive fleet assembled by Xerxes I to support his land invasion.1
• Political Status: The king of Sidon held a position of high prestige within the Persian hierarchy, ranking immediately after Xerxes himself and ahead of the king of Tyre.1

As loyal subjects of the Persian crown, the Phoenicians provided these critical maritime resources to the empire, which had previously reopened trade routes for them following the overthrow of their former Babylonian oppressors.1