Conflict in Ancient Greece

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

Exploration A hundred cities ranging from 5000-10000 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

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

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

Greek Soldiers

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

Trireme