The Athenian Assembly and the Formation of the Delian League

The Embassy of 478 BCE

• A coalition of various Greek Ionian city-states, possibly others, presented itself to the Athenian Assembly.
• Their plea was for Athens to take leadership of the Hellenic Alliance from the Spartans.

Context: The Greco-Persian Wars

• Started with the Ionian Greek rebellion against the Persian rule in 499 BCE.
• Supported by Athenians and Eretrians.
• Persian King Darius invaded Greece in 490 BCE but was defeated at Marathon.
• Important figures: Callimachus, Aristides, Themistocles, Xanthipus, Miltiades.
• Miltiades led Athenians at Marathon, defeating Persians.
• Post-battle: Athenians marched from Marathon to Athens to thwart a Persian naval attack.
• The tale of Philippides running from Marathon to Athens gave rise to the modern marathon race.

Political Changes in Athens

• Miltiades' failed offensive led to his imprisonment and death from injuries.
• Ostracism introduced in Athens as a means to remove threats to democracy.
• Notable figures: Cleisthenes, who reformed Athenian democracy, faced ostracism.

Rise of Themistocles and Aristides

• Themistocles, popular among lower classes, advocated for a strong navy.
• Aristides, championed by the upper class, focused on military.
• Debate culminated in 483 BCE with a rich seam of silver found in Laurion.
• Themistocles won the debate, leading to a significant expansion of the Athenian navy.

Hellenic Alliance Against Persia

• A Greek Council in 481 BCE formed the Hellenic Alliance, led by Spartans in military and Athenians in naval affairs.
• Notable battles: Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea, Mycale.
• Themistocles and Aristides played central roles in these victories.

Aftermath of the Persian Threat

• Athenians returned to rebuild Athens and its walls, despite Spartan objections.
• Themistocles tricked Spartans to allow the completion of Athenian walls.

Formation of the Delian League

• The embassy in 478 BCE led to Athens taking over the Hellenic Alliance.
• New alliance terms:
  • Athenian hegemony in military leadership.
  • Allies required to support militarily or financially.
  • Delian League Council met on Delos.
  • Delos chosen for strategic and religious significance.

Spartan Withdrawal and Athenian Ascendancy

• Spartan leader Pausanias' unpopular leadership led to Athens assuming control.
• Economic and strategic reasons influenced other city-states to join the Delian League.
• The Delian League eventually evolved into the Athenian Empire.

Prominent Figures

• Themistocles: Naval strategies led to Athenian dominance at sea.
• Aristides: Known for integrity, played a key role in military strategies.
• Kimon: Assisted Themistocles against the Spartans.

Next Steps

• The video teases further exploration of the Athenian Empire, Themistocles, Aristides, and Kimon's roles.

Additional Resources

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