1. Friday 10/14: Persian Wars
Objective: Compare and contrast the governments and cultures of Sparta and Athens.
Bell Work:
Complete the Sparta and Athens wrap-up worksheet…
DUE MONDAY!!!!

2. Between 500 and 400 B.C. the Greeks fought several wars.
The Greeks at War!
Between 500 and 400 B.C. the Greeks fought several wars.
The wars that posed to biggest threat to Greek society and democracy as we know it were the Persian Wars.

3. Advantages Greeks Mixed Land/Water Forces (Sparta/Athens)
Well-trained Spartans
Phalanx fighting formation
Fighting mainly on home turf
Persians
Larger territory means more men, equipment and resources
Largest Ancient fighting force

4. Disadvantages Greeks Lesser Numbers Mixed loyalties of City-States
Persians
Far from home: reinforcements and supplies
Underestimated Greek strength

5. For several days they stopped the Persian army from moving forward
Persia Invades Greece
The Persian army had little trouble as it moved through northern Greece.
It came to a narrow mountain pass called Thermopylae, there 7,000 Greeks waited for the endless number of Persians (perhaps in the millions).
For several days they stopped the Persian army from moving forward
Someone led the Persians behind the Greek army, the Spartan soldiers began to retreat to their ships as the Persians marched forward.

6. What Happened at Thermopylae?
The Persians were en route to Athens…
If they made it to Athens, they would have destroyed much of the art, literature and culture.
They also would have squashed the thriving democracy in Athens
Athens convinced Sparta to join them in battle. Twenty Greek city-states joined together to meet the Persian invaders.
Sparta took charge of the army.

7. Thermopylae: The Last Stand
A Small Spartan force of about 300 men commanded by King Leonidas, guarded the mountain pass of Thermopylae.
They held out heroically against he enormous Persian force for three days.
They were betrayed when someone told the Persians how to get in behind the army.
They were defeated, but won valuable time for the rest of the Greeks.

8. Results of the Persian Wars
Greece:
The Greek sense of uniqueness was increased.
Athens emerged as the most powerful city-state in Greece.
Athens organized the Delian League, an alliance with other Greek city-states.
Athens used the league to assert power and build an Athenian Empire.
They moved the treasury to Athens, and forced people to stay in the league against their will.
Athens enters “Golden Age”

9. Results of the Persian Wars
Persians:
Persians removed from power in Greece itself.
Persians still interfere in Greek/Mediterranean affairs.
Persian Empire still controls large territory and military force.

10. Significance of Thermopylae
Unifies Greece
City-states (like Athens & Sparta) are usually in competition with one another; the Persian Wars bring them together for a common cause
Protects Western Civilization
The Persians had a vast empire and one that was vastly different culturally. If they take over, Greek culture as we now know it would be over
Allows Modern Democracy to survive
Any Greek city-states trying to pursue Democracy would see it fade away as conquered peoples of Persia

11. Video Clip:
Last Stand of the 300:
Battle of Thermopylae