1. Conflict in Ancient Greece

2. Vocabulary
Democracy: political system where people share power and participate in decision making
Hoplites: foot soldier of ancient Greece
Phalanx: a battle formation employed by hoplites
Trireme: Greek battle ship
Truce: times of agreed peace or cessation of battle

3. Exploration
A hundred cities ranging from people occupied Greece
The most important cities were Athens, Sparta, Thebes, Delphi and Corinth
They were considered the same culture because they shared language, alphabet, gods and legends
However these cities were independent city states
Athens over time allowed for the first democracy in the world

4. Athens at War: Greco-Persian Wars
In the 5th century BCE Athens’ dominant position leads to many conflicts
The Persian Empire was the largest Empire known in history
It was rich, powerful and well governed. It’s population was many times greater than all of Greece combined
These wars were also called the Medic wars in reference to the medes, a people of Persia(modern day Iran)
Greek colonies with the support of Athens tried to rebel against Persia
Persia crushed this rebellion and sought revenge versus Athens

5. Battle of Marathon
In 490 Bce the Persian army landed on the plains of Marathon
The Greeks were out numbered 5 to one but had the advantage of heavier armor (hoplites) and better battle techniques(phalanx)
They also had the advantage of knowing the terrain
They were able to win handily
After the battle a messenger was sent to Athens 42 kilometers away…marathon races commemorate this feat

6. Greek Soldiers

7. Battle of Salemis
10 years after the battle of Marathon the Greeks and Persians fought again
This time the Spartans fought the Persians on land while Athens fought Persia at sea
The Greeks use the Trireme in the straits of Salamis to win the decisive battle

8. Trireme