1. The Persian Wars
Greece’s Finest Hours

2. Where is Persia?

3. Causes of the Conflict
Ionia (Greek settlement off the coast of Asia Minor (Persia)
Conquered by Persia (revolted- 499 B.C. E.)
Athens sent troops to support the revolt

4. Crushing the Revolt
Darius (Emperor)- crushed the revolt and decided to “punish” the Athenians
Invaded Greece (490 B.C.E.)- Bay of Marathon

5. The Battle of Marathon
Persian troops—100,000 v. Athenian troops—20,000
Persians
Overconfident, and poorly organized
Athenians (victorious)
Well-trained army (phalanx formation)
Very structured and disciplined
Hoplite

6. Phalanx

7. Connection to the Past
Pheidippides “ran” from Marathon to Athens (26 miles)
Died from exhaustion after delivering his message

8. Revenge Darius never returned, but his son, Xerxes, did (480 B.C.E.)
Thermopylae Pass (passageway into Greece)
7,000 Greeks (300 Spartans) v. 60,000 Persians (10,000 Immortals)
Xerxes

9. The Battle of Thermopylae
Two day battle
Greeks betrayed (Persians wrapped around form behind)
Spartans stayed and fought
Persians invaded and burned Athens down