THE PERSIAN WARS

While Greek city-states were flourishing in the 500 B. C’s While Greek city-states were flourishing in the 500 B.C’s., a monster was approaching from the east. The Persian Empire was the largest empire by geographical extent during ancient times. At their height, the Persian Empire controlled roughly 45% of the world’s population. Tiny Greece was constantly threatened by the Persia’s growing empire, which now had its sight set on the Greek homeland.

Cyrus the Great is known as the first king in world history to have the suffix of “Great” attached to his name. After conquering new lands, Cyrus created the Cyrus Cylinder, which was a series of laws for his empire. This cylinder is considered to be the first declaration of human rights, as Cyrus freed all slaves of his empire and allowed for freedom of religion.

THE PERSIAN EMPIRE: Military Force Because of the vast amount of land under the control of the empire, Persian kings could field armies that were massive. Some historical estimates claim the Persian army could consisted upwards of 300,000 men, highlighted by the elite fighting force, The Immortals, whose numbers were said to never drop below 10,000 strong.

WARS DON’T JUST START…THERE ARE ALWAYS EVENTS THAT LEAD TO THE OUTBREAK OF WAR. In 545 B.C., the Persians acquired land near the Ionian coast. Greek city-states would not risk sending armed forces to aid the Greek territories in the area. Sparta sent messengers to talk to the Persian Emperor, Cyrus warning him to keep way from the Greek main home land. His response; “Who are the Spartans?”

In 499 B.C., the crisis began to spiral out of control. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM5B75hrIKc In 514 B.C., the Persian Empire advanced west and conquered areas in Thrace and Macedonia. This was alarming to the Greek city-states as now Persian forces were at the doorstep of Greece. In 499 B.C., the crisis began to spiral out of control. Greek territories on the Ionian coast began to revolt against Persian rule. Athens sent military aid to help their fellow Greeks. In 493 the Persians put down the rebellion. Athens was now a main target for the enraged Persians. Persian conquered Greek territories

In 490 B.C., at the advice of the expelled Athenian leader, Hippias, who was working with the Persians, the new emperor Darius decided it was time to launch the Persians offensive towards the Greek homeland. A Persian fleet of 600 ships left the Ionian coast and set out across the Aegean sea. They set up camp at Marathon Bay, a mere 25 miles away from Athens. Darius’ goal was to capture Athens. The Greek way of life was under its greatest ever threat. The Athenian military mobilized and assembled an army of around 10,000 men. They marched towards Marathon Bay.

The Battle of Marathon was an overwhelming victory for the Athenian led Greek Army.

AFTER MARATHON Defeated Emperor Darius I and his military forces sail back to Persia. Their intent is to now launch a massive force against the Greeks to avenge their loss at Marathon. Due to failing health, Darius I dies in 486 B.C. His son, Xerxes, takes the thrown as Emperor of Persia. Xerxes’ goal is to avenge his father’s defeat and to expand the Persian Empire. Xerxes spent four years planning his attack, building the fleet, and assembling troops. When news of his massive army spread across Greece, weaker city-states submitted immediately to Persian rule, fearing all out annihilation. Xerxes had assembled the largest army ever seen; between 300,000 to 500,000 men.

PAN-Hellenic Congress This threat of invasion brought together Greek city-states that would not submit. They met at Corinth in 481 B.C., where the plan was ultimately made to abandon territories in northern Greece. The Greeks debated and considered retreating down to Corinth and abandoning Athens. Finally a plan was devised to send a military force to defend a pass at Thermopylae. The Greeks then ran into a problem. At this time the Spartans were within a religious festival, and the Olympics were beginning, meaning that all Greeks had to lay down arms.

THE DECISION Sparta would send a military force of 300 men led by King Leonidas. Other Greek city-states contributed troops leading to a military force of nearly 7,000 men.

If you were a Greek military commander, know your forces are outnumbered at least 20-1, what would be the best strategy to try and hold off the Persian invasion?

480 B.C

Xerxes forces advance and meet the Greek forces at an area known as the “Hot Gates”. The pass at Thermopylae. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M4w-82iVXs

The Persian victory at Thermopylae came at a great cost The Persian victory at Thermopylae came at a great cost. Estimates indicated that Xerxes lost upwards of 20,000 of his men during the battle.

After Thermopylae, Xerxes forces marched on and destroyed the Greek city-state of Athens. When Xerxes forces arrived however, the found the city to be abandoned. Xerxes had fulfilled his promise to destroy Athens. All major temples throughout the city were destroyed. In the hills nearby the Athenian population watched as their home was destroyed. Unknown to Xerxes however was the Greek military planning for revenge.

BATTLE OF SALAMIS: September 480 B.C. http://safeshare.tv/v/EMbZQjfXUi4 BATTLE OF SALAMIS: September 480 B.C. This naval battle with was lead by the Athenian navy crushed the Persian naval forces. An estimated 400-500 of Xerxes warships were destroyed in the battle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5piSjogTQto BATTLE OF PLATAEA: 479 B.C The largest battle fought during the Persian Wars in terms of man power. It was estimated that between 60,000 and 100,000 Greeks, led by 8,000 Spartans, defeated Xerxes Persian forces. The Persians lost an estimated 90,000 men, and Xerxes was final forced to withdraw his forces and return to the Persian Empire. His campaign had been defeated.