Common Core Standards RS 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, WS 1, LSS 1, 2, 3 Aim: Which side would I have fought for during the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars? Do Now: NY State Standards 2, 3 Common Core Standards RS 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, WS 1, LSS 1, 2, 3

IV The Persian Wars 492 BCE – 449 BCE CAUSES CONSEQUENCES Due to poor farmland in mainland Greece, many Greeks moved to Ionia in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). With the help of Sparta, Athens defeated Persia (who was then led by King Xerxes). Persia under King Darius conquered Ionia. Not wanting to join the Persian army or pay taxes, the Ionian Greeks rebelled As Persia was still a huge empire, it was still a threat to Greece. Therefore, the Greek city-states (poli) formed the Delian League, headed by Athens.

Help! The Persians conquered us in Ionia!

Following the Persian invasion, Athens sent a runner, Phidippedes, to Sparta to ask for help. Phidippedes ran 140 miles to Sparta, who told him they could not help yet due to a religious festival. (They did come to help after the festival) Phidippedes ran 140 miles back to the Athenians. When the Persians were retreating to their ships, Phidippedes then ran 26.2 miles to Athens, to warn the Athenians of a possible Persian attack by sea. According to legend, he dropped dead immediately after delivering his message! Also, while the film “300” was not entirely historically accurate, 300 Spartans did die at Thermopylae (near Athens), while holding off the Persians at a narrow mountain pass.

The Persian Empire was BIG!

The Persian King Darius and his Son Xerxes were VERY ANGRY On the top left is the Persian King Darius. His son Xerxes in on the bottom left. The film “300” version of Xerxes is on the top right.

V The Peloponnesian War 431 BCE – 404 BCE CAUSES CONSEQUENCES Pericles, a powerful Athenian, moved the treasury of the Delian League to Athens. He used some of the wealth to build the Parthenon and other buildings. Pericles had the Athenians hide behind Athen’s defensive walls. A plague broke out and killed 25% of Athens, including Pericles. Sparta and other Delian members felt Athens was now corrupt. They formed their own alliance; the Peloponnesian League. Sparta and Persia won the Peloponnesian War. Sparta formed an alliance with Persia against Athens. Greece was now politically unstable.

Key Vocabulary Delian League Peloponnesian League Peloponnesian War Peloponnesus Pericles Persian Wars Polis