Persian War Greco-Persian Wars

Herodotus “Father of History” Systematically gathered and organized historical data, analyzing and creating timelines Earliest Greek prose to survive Clear and strong historical information; though sometimes incorrect and fanciful

Battle Stats… Persia Diverse Usually armed with a bow, short spear, sword or axe, wicker shield Bows were to wear out the enemy and used spears and swords for close combat Sparabara: infantry formations, used to help protect back ranks Members of the Persian Empire

Battle Stats… Greece Hoplite phalanx: Hoplites made up a rectangular mass military formation Hoplite: foot soldiers Middle class members – could afford heavy armor Heavy amour Breastplate, helmet, concave shield, spears (longer than the Persians Considered superior to hand-to-hand combat Collective group from Greek City-States: Athens, Sparta, Hellenic Alliance

First Persian Invasion 492 BC King Darius’ revenge on Athens Darius sends ambassadors all over Greece, and slowly gains control over the regions, expect Sparta and Athens Eventually island-hopped to reach the in-land Athens will win over Persia at the Battle of Marathon Darius will attempt to take over Greece, but divides in Persia delayed the process and he will die of old age

Battle of Marathon Persian attempt to invade Greece Bay of Marathon Athenians blocked both exits from the bay Phillipides – ran to Sparta to request aid (marathon) Sparta could not send help for ten days – “full moon” Stalemate against Persians Hoplites overrun the Persian forces Persians will attempt to sail straight to Athens, but are overrun there Persian KIA:6,400 Athenian KIA: 192

Second Persian Invasion 480-479 BC Xerxes Fourth king of Achaemenid Dynasty (Persia) Followed Darius by invading Greece Xerxes Canal Through peninsula of Mount Athos Pontoon Bridges – build across Hellespont 480 BC: Set out against Athens with Estimated 1 million soldiers, 10,000 elite warriors (Persian Immortals)

Battle of Thermopylae

Battle of Thermopylae Xerxes attempt at Athens with a huge army and navy Greeks were outnumbered, but held off Persians for 7 days A small Greek force blocked Persian army’s path Local resident Ephialtes told of a way through Greek lines Outflanked the Greek army 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians, 400 Thebans – most are killed