Persian Empire c. 490 B.C.

Growth of Persia Darius fought the Scythians 512 had a bridge built over Hellespont—first Asian army in Europe. Then crosses to the Danube and builds another brother. Ionian Greeks in Darius’ Empire discuss whether to tear down Danubian Bridge to trap him. Darius fights Scythians—unsuccessful Short of supplies, retreats. But turns Thrace into a satrapy—Persian presence in Europe—and meets Hippias who wants to be restored.

Ionia Ionian Greeks under Persian rule since Cyrus’ conquest of Lydia. Crave independence and despise Persian authoritarian rule. Looking for an opportunity to revolt.

Aristagoras Ionian Greeks unhappy under Persian rule. Ionian Aristagoras urged the Greeks to revolt against Persia. Ionian Revolt 499 Aristagoras needs Greek aid—Sparta days no—Athens yes—but only provides twenty-ships 498 Ionians march on and burn most of Persian satrapal capital of Sardis. Only offensive action—Ionians on defensive

Ionian Revolt

End of Ionian Revolt Darius furious and retakes cities 494 Battle of Lade—Persians (600 Phoenician ships vs. 353 Greek ships) Many Greek deserters—Samos, Lesbos. Miletus falls—Darius punishes the Ionian Greeks by deporting population to Mesopotamia. Shocked the Greek world. Generally peace terms generous—but Darius wants to punish Athens and Eretria for helping the Ionians.

Darius’ revenge Greek Hoplite vs. Persian Darius Punish Athens and Eretria Reconquer Thrace Sack of Miletus affected all of Greece—former cultural center—fellow Greeks Also election of a new man to archonship— Themistocles in 493 From merchant class, no real ties to aristocracy.

Darius’ invasion 492 Darius sends son Mardonius to Thrace Reconquered it, planned on attacking Athens Demands earth and water—some same yes; not Athens—some Greeks see Persians as a tool to punish enemies 490—invasion fleet to Eretria on Euboea—city sacked and population sent to Mesopotamia—next Athens. Persians land at Marathon and send fleet to blockade Athens.

Battle of Marathon 490

Marathon Athenians rush to Marathon and show up with 10 generals—Miltiades gives a rousing speech—right now!—or enslaved for future generations. Athenian hoplites march downhill (about a mile) charge Persian forces—outnumbered so pack wings. Greek had better armor, longer spears, packed wings. Persians destroyed; Spartan soldiers finally arrive and are impressed with the Athenians’ ability.

Pheidippides Traditional story relates that Pheidippides (530 BC–490 BC), an Athenian herald ran to Sparta for help—then back to Athens and then Marathon. Runs from Marathon to Athens (26miles) to relate victory and drops dead. Athenian victory at Marathon without Spartan aid shows that Athens is a major power.

Darius’ invasion part 2 Planning a new invasion—rebellion in Egypt—dies in 486. Darius’ heir—Xerxes raised on anti-Greek stories. Decides on invasion 481 bridges the Hellespont (2 bridges) 481 Greek Congress at Corinth 1. peace in Greece 2. Spartans given command But disagreement over where battle should be fought.

Themistocles Policy—focus on navy—aggression for defensive purposes. Reconstructs a new port at Piraeus. Uses silver to build a new fleet of triremes—small easily maneuverable boats with three banks of oars.

Persian monarchs Darius I Xerxes I

Isthmus of Thermopylae? Persians: 5 million; Greeks 6-7,000 3 days at Thermopylae Delphi sacked Athens evacuates to Salamis (long planned evacuation) Athens burned; based on a lie Persian fleet sent into Salamis.

Battle of Salamis 480 B.C. Athenian Trireme Salamis

Persians Xerxes’ fleet destroyed at Salamis. Without fleet Xerxes returns to Persia. Leaves Mardonius with 300,000 to finish job. Athens refuses to surrender and is burned anew. Plataea 479—Persians destroyed on land. Mycale—Athenian naval victory against Persia. But fear that Persia would return.

Map of Graeco-Persian Wars

Herodotus Histories Travels, investigates the reasons for the Graeco-Persian Wars Lots of wild stories No real attempt to corroborate sources. Meant to be heard. Father of History Historia = Investigation.