Final answer:
Aeschylus did indeed participate in both the Battle of Marathon and the Battle of Salamis, which were pivotal conflicts in the Persian Wars where the Greek city-states faced the Persian Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Aeschylus fought at both Salamis and Marathon is indeed true. Aeschylus was a well-known ancient Greek tragedian, and besides his work in theatre, he took part in the significant battles during the Persian Wars. His experiences in the military likely influenced some of his plays that revolve around such themes. At the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, the Athenians managed to defeat the Persian army despite being outnumbered. The valiant charge of the Athenians at Marathon and their democratic motivations proved crucial in repelling the Persian forces. Following the encounter at Marathon, the Persians attempted an unsuccessful invasion of Athens but were deterred by the prepared Athenian forces.
In 480 BCE, during the Battle of Salamis, the Greeks once again displayed tactical brilliance. After suffering a setback at the Battle of Thermopylae, where the Spartan defense was ultimately overrun by the immense Persian army, the Greek forces retreated to the island of Salamis. Here, the Greek naval fleet, crucially involving the Athenians, managed to outmaneuver and defeat the Persian navy. The victory at Salamis is seen as a pivotal moment in the Greco-Persian Wars, showcasing the strength of the allied Greek forces against the larger Persian empire.