Greek Triumph at Plataea

"The king’s massive army began a withdrawal from Attica, continuing on through Phocis, Boeotia, and Thessaly. Once in Thessaly the army divided, with Xerxes taking some troops with him back home and the remainder staying with Mardonius. Ancient figures are almost always misleading, but the king’s cousin probably had upward of 100,000 troops with him.

Just before Xerxes went home he met with a Spartan herald, who formally demanded compensation for the death of King Leonidas at Thermopylae. Xerxes laughed and pointed to his cousin. “This is Mardonius, and he will pay the Spartans the compensation they are owed!” said Xerxes"