North of these ridges a distinctly marked line of depression extends across the field from east to west. It runs up the course of a brook,[189] in a south-westerly direction, to the site of the modern Kriekouki. After reaching the bottom of that village it turns at right angles and goes north-west in a line parallel to, and immediately north of, the watershed between the basins of the Asopos and Œroë, reaching the flat alluvial plain north of Platæa, just west of the springs of Apotripi, the traditional Gargaphia.
This depression is of considerable importance in relation to the general scheme of the operations of the Greek army on the field:—
(a) Because it forms the dividing line between the first and intended third positions and the second position, that is to say, between the positions which were chiefly remarkable for their defensive character, and that position which was assumed with the manifest intention of taking a vigorous offensive.
(b) Because in it the Greek army, after marching from the first position, took up its order before occupying the second position.
(c) Because in it the two combats which ultimately decided the battle were fought.
The plain which has been mentioned in reference to the western extremity of this depression extends without any break from the north end of the site of the town of Platæa to the Asopos river. The plain is the only flat land in the whole battle-field.
From Sketch by E. Lear.]
PLAIN OF PLATÆA AND KITHÆRON.
[To face page [454].