1. BELLWORK: BLOCK 2
Today, we will focus on conflict in Ancient Greece and how it contributed to
two major wars – The Persian Wars (Greek city states vs. Persia) and the
Peloponnesian War (Sparta vs. Athens). In order to understand WHY these
conflicts happened, make a prediction 
Why do you think Greece and Persia were enemies? What were they fighting over?
What was it so difficult to unify the Greek city states? Why do you think Sparta and Athens distrusted each other?
THINKER: What are the strengths of the Greek military? Where might they have an advantage over the larger, more organized and trained Persian military?

2. Conflict in Ancient Greece
Persian Wars
Peloponnesian War

3. The Persian Wars
Persia and Greece were enemies that fought for control of trade/travel routes.
Between B.C., the rivals go to war three times.

4. Greek Empire: 550B.C.

5. Persian Empire – 539 BC

6. Background of Tension
Cyrus the Great conquered the Greek-inhabited region of Ionia in 547 BC.
Struggling to rule the independent-minded cities of Ionia, Persians appointed tyrants to rule
After years of oppression, the Ionians successfully revolted against Persia with aide from Greece
Persians wanted revenge!

7. The Persian Wars
In 490 BC, Persian forces (led by Darius I) landed near Athens.
The outnumbered Greeks staged a surprise attack and defeated the Persians!
In 480B.C., the Persians returned to Greece (now led by Xerxes I)
7,000 Greeks (Spartans/Athenians) vs. 100,000 Persians
Greek navy destroyed the entire Persian fleet.
The Persians responded with a sneak attack on the remaining 300 Spartan warriors – Battle of Thermopylae

10. Persian Wars – Battle of Thermopylae
Thermopylae ("hot gates") was a pass the Greeks tried to defend
Spartan King Leonidas was in charge of the Greek forces. He had three goals:
Restrain & delay the strong Persian Army
Keep them from attacking the Greek navy (under Athenian control - Themistocles)
Block them long enough so they would be forced to sail back for food, water & supplies

11. The Last Stand of the 300
For the rest of class, you will be watching a video on the last stand of the 300 at the Battle of Thermopylae.
Answer the questions on the worksheet
Pay attention! This information will be included on the unit test

12. BELLWORK: September 15th
Explain the role of the following men in the Persian Wars: Darius I, Xerxes I, Leonidas & Themistocles.
Why did Sparta and Athens (traditional enemies) decide to fight together in the Persian Wars?
How did the geography of Thermopylae help the Greek army?
Describe the military training of Spartan boys.
THINKER: Why would Leonidas, already expecting defeat at Thermopylae, send his army away but keep his strongest 300 soldiers to fight?

13. BELLWORK: September 18th
What did the Oracle tell Sparta’s leader? How did this impact their strategy in the Persian Wars?
How was the Ionian Rebellion a precursor to the Battle of Thermopylae?
THINKER: Why would Leonidas, already expecting defeat at Thermopylae, send his army away but keep his strongest 300 soldiers to fight?

15. Persian Wars – Battle of Thermopylae
A Persian-sympathizer & traitor named Ephialtes led the Persians around the pass showing them where to attack from behind.
Expecting defeat, Leonidas sent away most of his troops.
The remaining 300 Spartan warriors fought the Persians & blocked the pass long enough so the rest of the Greek army could escape.
All 300 warriors were killed - Greece accepted defeat
After their victory, the Persians marched to Athens and burned it to the ground (already been evacuated)

18. Third Persian War
Persia was having difficulty controlling the Greek city states
Internal rebellions against Persia continued
In 479B.C., the Greek Navy attacked Persia
Athens was reclaimed and the Greeks were successful!

19. Greek City State: Sparta
This week, we will learn about several conflicts in Ancient Greece – most involving the city-state of Sparta.
To learn more about Sparta, read pgs For each point below, write a one-sentence summary on the main idea:
Helots
Men
Women
Government
Isolation