1. The Persian Wars March 20, 2012

2. The Persian Wars 499 – 449 BC Fought between the Persians and the Greeks Persians decided to go on the offensive after the Ionian Revolt They sailed across the Aegean Sea to fight the Greeks Major Battles – Marathon – Thermopylae – Salamis Recorded in the writings of the Greek historian Herodotus.

3. The Greeks

4. The Persians

5. Persians vs. Greeks The Persians Large and diverse group of men from all over Persia Led by a powerful General Armed with a short spear and sword Carried long rectangular wicker shields Wore leather armour Fought in the ‘Sparabara’ formation Also had archers and lightly armed cavalry The Greeks Armies from different city- states; eg. Sparta, Athens Had no central leadership Armed with a long spear and sword Carried concave shields made of metal Wore metal armour: Breastplate, helmet and greaves Fought in the Phalanx formation Had few archers, no cavalry

6. Assignment Answer the following three questions on looseleaf: 1.Which side would you rather be fighting on? Why? 2. Who do you think will emerge victorious from the Persian Wars? 3.List and explain three reasons for your choice to question #2. 4.What factors not listed above might also influence the outcome of the wars?