Persian Wars Overview

Background

• Time Period: 499 BCE - 479 BCE
• Conflict between Greek city-states and the Persian Empire
• Greek city-states united against a common enemy
• Persian Empire: Largest empire at the time, spanning Africa, Middle East, and Asia

Key Events

Ionian Revolt (546 BCE - 493 BCE)

• 546 BCE: Persia conquered Ionia, a wealthy Greek settlement
• Persians imposed taxes and military service on Ionians
• 499 BCE: Ionians revolted, seeking help from Greek mainland
• Athenians assisted but withdrew prematurely
• 493 BCE: Persia defeated Ionians, destroyed the city, enslaved some inhabitants
• Score: Persian Empire 1 - Greeks 0

Invasion of Mainland Greece (490 BCE)

• King Darius sought to conquer Greek city-states
• Sent messengers demanding submission (earth and water)
• Messengers killed by Greeks
• 490 BCE: Battle of Marathon
  • Greeks outnumbered
  • Strategic victory for Greeks
• Score: Persian Empire 1 - Greeks 1

Continued Conflict under Xerxes (480 BCE)

• Xerxes continued war with 180,000 troops
• 480 BCE: Battle of Thermopylae
  • Strategic Greek position
  • Greek traitor aided Persians
  • 300 Spartans sacrificed to delay Persians
• Score: Persian Empire 2 - Greeks 1

Battle of Salamis (480 BCE)

• Persians burned Athens
• Athenian leader Themistocles lured Persians into narrow straits
• Greeks used naval superiority to win
  • Sunk 300 Persian ships, lost only 40
• Score: Persian Empire 2 - Greeks 2

Battle of Plataea (479 BCE)

• Xerxes left troops in Greece
• 479 BCE: Final battle at Plataea
  • 80,000 Greek troops vs. Persian army
  • Decisive Greek victory
• Score: Persian Empire 2 - Greeks 3

Aftermath

• Greek city-states maintained independence
• Prevented Persian conquest of Europe
• Athens rebuilt and thrived post-war

Note: For further information, more detailed research is recommended.