The Battle of Thermopylae

2 Map retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-R01213,_Versailles,_deutsche_Verhandlungdelegation.jpg Athens and Persia .

A 4th century rendering of Emperor Darius 3 Image retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-R01213,_Versailles,_deutsche_Verhandlungdelegation.jpg Conflict Begins A 4th century rendering of Emperor Darius

The Battle of Marathon Persians and Athenians clashed at Marathon Persians were unexpectedly defeated Darius’ son Xerxes planned another attack in 480 BCE

The Battle of Thermopylae 5 The Battle of Thermopylae Persians vs. small group of Spartans Spartans held off Persians for 7 days Persians won battle Meanwhile, Athens prepared for Persian invasion Ultimately Greeks won

Central Historical Question How many Persians were at the Battle of Thermopylae?