1. Greece and Persia Chapter 5 Section 4

2. I Persia Becomes an Empire While Athenians created a Dem, the Persian Empire was rising in the east – Began as unorganized nomadic ppl – Eventually created mightiest empires in ancient world under Cyrus to Great & Darius

3. A. Cyrus the Great Persians ruled by Medes for over 100 yrs Cyrus II leads revolt to gain independence – Cyrus II victory marks beg. Of Persian Empire Conquered many Greek cities Let ppl he conquered to keep their customs Why do you think he did this? Historians refer to him as Cyrus the Great

4. B. The Persian Army Cyrus successful because of strong army – Army was loyal Immortals=10,000 soldiers chosen for bravery & skill Calvary=unit of soldiers on horseback – Charged and shoot arrows at enemy Cavalry weakened enemy before immortals attacked

5. II The Persian Empire Grows Stronger Cyrus dies and his son Cambyses takes over – Cambyses dies leaving no clear leader  rebellion Darius I claims the throne by killing all rivals – Restores power, improves society, & expands land

6. A. Political Organization Divides empire into 20 provinces Governors named SATRAPS rule provinces for him – Collect taxes/serve as judges Satraps had great power but Darius was ultimate ruler

7. III Persians Fight Greece A) Battle of Marathon Darius invades Greece after rebellion This begins Persian Wars Persian army outnumbered Greeks but better weapons & smart leaders led to Greek victory Legend has it that a messenger ran from Marathon to Athens (26 miles) to being news of victory – “rejoice we conquer!” then dies of exhaustion – Athletes run 26 mile races called Marathons

8. B. Second Invasion of Greece Xerxes tries again 10ys after Marathon – Sends army & navy Sparta & Athens join together to defend Greece – Sparta=strong army Athens=strong navy Persians had to pass through Thermopylae to attack Greece

9. Battle of 300 Spartans sent to thermopylae to slow Persians Greek force holds off Persians until Greek traitor informs Persians of a way around http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOLyEX90D us Min 37:41-39:58

10. Salamis Traits of Salamis allowed smaller Athenian boats to easily sink Persian ships http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOLyEX90D us 1:25