The Greeks The Persian Wars

The Persian Wars

Persian Rule Persians controlled most of Asia Ionian Revolt This included Ionia Ionian Revolt Athens sent ships to help

Battle of Marathon Darius tries to punish Athens Athens requests help Hand-to-Hand Combat results in Victory Themistocles builds and Athenian Navy

Spartans on the Defensive Leonidas leads Spartans against Xerxes and the Persians Spartans are eventually defeated Persians march down and burn Athens

Battle of Salamis

Salamis The Persians were lured into the strait of Salamis Athenian Navy sinks the Persian ships Faster, more maneuverable ships

Delian League Athens emerged from the war as the most powerful city-state Organized an alliance Created and Athenian empire

Direct Democracy Direct Democracy – Citizens are directly involved in the government daily Council of 500 and the Assembly Began to pay a stipend Jury enacted Could include several thousand Citizens over the age of 30 serve for one year Ostracism practiced

Pericles Pericles – leader Promoted democracy, helped the economy Rebuilt the acropolis Turned Athens into the cultural center of Greece