Greco-Persian Wars

Persian Empire, Darius Xerses, Ionia, Marathon, Thermopylae, Athens, Sparta, Salamis, Plataea



In 499 BC, a great war began between Greek city states and the Persian Empire, ruled by Darius. Ionian Greek city states revolted against Persian rule, and Athens supported them. This caused King Darius to invade Greece in 490 BC, after putting down the earlier Ionian revolt. First, the Greeks defeated Persians at Marathon. Then, Greeks forces, led by Spartans and King Leonidas defended the pass at Thermopylae against the onslaught brought by king Xerses. They battled a much larger Persian army bravely, but ultimately were wiped out. The Persians then sacked and burned Athens down, then they went to fight the Greeks at the straight of Salamis. The Athens tricked the Persians to fight in the narrow straight, then they were routed by Greek warships that destroyed and then sunk them. Finally, the Greeks ended the war by beating the Persians at Plataea.