The Persian Wars CHW 3M

Persians took control of Greek colonies in Ionia (Turkey). important naval bases cities were prosperous New Satraps were unpopular Ionian revolt (499-493 BC) Ionians backed by Athens and Eretria Greek destroy Persian city of Sardis Revolt collapsed when Athenians and Eretria withdrew support. Made Persian resolve for conquering Greece stronger

Miracle of Marathon (1st Persian Invasion 490 BC) Set on revenge the Persian crushed Eretria and proceeded to Athens. They landed on the beaches of Marathon 10, 000 Athenians Vs. 25, 000 Persians Spartans refused to come (religious reasons?) Athenian general, Miltiades, learns that dreaded Persian cavalry was not present for time being time to act now

Miltiades divided his men into three parts, the center, the left wing, and the right wing. The center group pretended to fall back, and the Persian army ran after them. Then the two Greek wings rushed in and attacked the Persians from the sides. 6400 Persian Causalities, 192 Greek Causalities Persian fled to ships looking to attack undefended Athens

The Athenians ran 25 miles back to Athens in order to beat the Persian (12-14h to sail). When the Persians saw the Athenian army waiting for them inside the city walls they gave up and sailed back home to Persia territory. The victory gave the Greeks incredible confidence in themselves, their government and their culture 2. Strengthened other Greek City-States resolve (Sparta) to resist Persian rule

Phidippides Famous Athenian runner Phidippides Ran from Athens to Sparta and back to ask for help in 36 hours (280 miles) Ran to Marathon (26 miles) Fought Ran back to Athens (26 miles) to tell of victory. (in approximately 3 hours) Tired from exhaustion Phidippides collapsed and died a short time later censored

Ten Years Grace Themistocles was the most prominent politician in Athens after the first Persian invasion. He continued to advocate a strong Athenian navy, and in 483 BC he persuaded the Athenians to build a fleet of 200 triremes; these would prove crucial in the forthcoming conflict with Persia.

Battle of Thermopylae (2nd Persian Invasion 480 BC) King Xerxes decided that he would invade Greece by land 200000 men, 600 warships made Pontoon Bridge to cross Hellespont first encounter with Greeks at Thermopylae, narrow mountain pass

Small Group of Greek including Athenians and Spartans set up barricades At Thermopylae. Several days The Massive Persian army could not get through barricade. After a few days, a Greek traitor led the Persians through a mountain pass where a few They secretly came around this back way and surrounded the Greeks. A group of three hundred Spartan soldiers, along with some others, agreed to stay at Thermopylae and fight the Persians even though they were surrounded. They would fight as long as they could sacrificing themselves to give the others time to get away.

Battle of Salamis Knowing they could now not defend their city the Athenians, under their general Themistocles, deliberately left Athens undefended and lured the Persian fleet into a narrow strip of water between the island of Salamis and the Greek main land. The Persian would burn Athens but the Athenian warships caught the Persian ships be surprise. Trapped in the narrow water the Persian ships were destroyed. Xerxes and army would then retreat to Hellespont

The Invasion Ends(479 BC) Greeks amass army of 40,000 and defeated 60,000 Persian at Mycale, off the coast of Asia minor. The remaining Persian fleet was completely destroyed. Greeks amass army of 40,000 and defeated 60,000 Persian at Mycale, off the coast of Asia minor. The remaining Persian fleet was completely destroyed.