Greek Wars The Persian Wars Timeline Review Minoan

Greek Wars: The Persian Wars

Timeline Review üMinoan civilization üMycenaean civilization üDorian invasions – “Dark Age” of Greece üRise of the Polis • Persian Wars

Greek Cities & Colonies 500 BCE

The Growth of Persia

Persian Wars FAQ • Dates: 546 – 479 BCE • Who: Greece vs. Persia

Causes of the Persian War • By 546 BCE, the Persians had conquered Greek polis on Asia minor (modern day Turkey) for their location near the wealth of the Med! • The captured Greeks had to pay tribute to Persia and hated it! • In 499 BCE, revolts broke out which Athens aided sent a small fleet in support

Causes of the Persian War • Cyrus’ son Darius easily crushed the revolts, but wants revenge against Athens! • Some Greek polis ally against Persia: Athens, Corinth, Delphi, Megara, Olympia, Sparta • Argos, Thebes & Others remain neutral • In 492 BCE, Darius sent a Persian army & fleet to Athens…

Famous Battles! • 492 BCE Persian fleet is destroyed • by a storm! 490 BCE Battle of Marathon • 480 BCE Xeres @ Thermopylae • • (mtn pass) Salamis naval battle 479 Xeres flees home

The Battle of Salamis

PERSIAN War Consequences • Although Persia still remained powerful… • The Greek polis united • Greeks gained confidence that their way of life was • • superior to that of others Athens took credit for the victory and created an empire throughout the Med General Pericles brought great wealth to Athens and instills democracy Greece enters Golden Age with Athens as its center Western civilization based on Greek thought NOT Persian! (truly a turning point in history!)