What caused the Persian Wars?

The Persian ruler Darius began the Persian Wars to subdue the rebellious Greek city-states in the western part of his empire. Wealth, new territory, and personal prestige were likely contributing causes. Darius' successor Xerxes continued the same aggressive policies.

What were the roles of Athens and Sparta in the Persian Wars?

Athens and Sparta were allies along with many other Greek city-states who fought against the Persian invasion of Greece. Athens distinguished itself at the Battle of Marathon and Sparta at the Battle of Thermopylae. Both armies fought at Plataea to win victory.

Who won the battle of Marathon?

The Greek allies won the battle of Marathon against the Persians in 490 BCE.

Who won the battle of Thermopylae?

The Persians won the battle of Thermopylae against fierce resistance from just 300 Spartans and their allies in 480 BCE.

Who won the Persian Wars?

The alliance of Greek city-states, which included Athens and Sparta, won the Persian Wars against Persia from 490 to 480 BCE.

Persian Wars Timeline

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Definition

The Persian Wars refers to the conflict between Greece and Persia in the 5th century BCE which involved two invasions by the latter in 490 and 480 BCE. Several of the most famous and significant battles in history were fought during the Wars, these were at Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea, all of which would become legendary. The Greeks were, ultimately, victorious and their civilization preserved. If they had been defeated then the western world may not have inherited from them such lasting cultural contributions as democracy, classical architecture and sculpture, theatre, and the Olympic Games.

More about: Persian Wars

Timeline

492 BCE
Darius I of Persia invades Greece.
490 BCE - 470 BCE
Corcyra does not participate in the Persian Wars.
11 Sep 490 BCE
A combined force of Greek hoplites defeat the Persians at Marathon.
480 BCE
Cycladic states contribute to the victorious Greek forces against the Persians at the Battle of Salamis.
480 BCE
Thebes sides with Persia during Xerxes invasion of Greece.
Jul 480 BCE
Xerxes I makes extensive preparations to invade mainland Greece by building depots, canals and a boat bridge across the Hellespont.
Aug 480 BCE
The indecisive battle of Artemision between the Greek and Persian fleets of Xerxes I. The Greeks withdraw to Salamis.
Aug 480 BCE
Battle of Thermopylae. 300 Spartans under King Leonidas and other Greek allies hold back the Persians led by Xerxes I for three days but are defeated.
Sep 480 BCE
Battle of Salamis where the Greek naval fleet led by Themistocles defeats the invading armada of Xerxes I of Persia.
c. 479 BCE
Eleusis is destroyed by the Persians.
479 BCE
Cycladic city states contribute to the victorious Greek forces against the Persians at the battle of Plataea.
479 BCE
Xerxes' Persian forces are defeated by Greek forces at Plataea effectively ending Persia's imperial ambitions in Greece.
449 BCE - 448 BCE
Peace between Greece and Persia.

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