Today’s VocabPersian Wars- A series of wars that involved

the Persian Empire and Greeks.Battle of Thermopylae- A battle made famous

because of 300 Spartans who held off a Persian Army of possibly up to a million soldiers for 3 days.

Delian League- A organization of city-states led by Athens in order to prevent Persian dominance.

Pericles- The leader of Athens who took them into a Golden Age and expanded democracy.

Warm Up?Explain the difference between Athens and

Spartan values.

Persian Wars

And Pericles

PERSIAN WARS

A series of wars that took place between the Greeks and the rapidly expanding Persian Empire.

The wars began in 490 BC and lasted for about 10 years.

It was one of the most important events that happened to the Athenians!

1st Battle: Battle at Marathon

When did it begin? 490 BC

What happened? A Persian fleet of ships came into

the Aegean with over 25,000 men and were met by 10,000 Athenians.

Who Won? Huge Athenian victory because of

their well trained discipline army. Why did the “marathon” come

from this battle? A runner named Pheidippides (fy

DIP uh deez) raced back to Athens to tell them of their victory and to protect the city. Athenian army soon came back to protect the city. Pheidippides died.

2nd Battle: Battle at Thermopylae

When did it begin? 480 BC

What happened? Persians led by Xerxes tried to

invade Greece from the north. The Greeks were very divided and some even fought for the Persians.

The Persians faced little resistance until arriving at Thermopylae where they were met by 7,000 Greeks led by 300 Spartan warriors. A traitor gave the Persians the way around the cliffs. After every Greek was slaughtered they were on their way to Athens.

Who won? The Persians

3rd Battle: Battle at Salamis

When did it begin? Right after Thermopylae around

480 BC What happened?

Persians led by Xerxes continued to head south to Athens setting it on fire.

Themistocles (an Athenian statesman) convinced the Athenians to evacuate and fight the Persians from the sea.

The Athenians put their ships in a narrow channel near the island of Salamis and the Persians eventually followed. But, the Persian ships were too big and the Greek ships were able to ram the large ships.

Who won? Over 1/3 of the Persian fleet

sunk! The Athenians were again victorious.

4th and Final Battle: Battle at Plataea

When did it begin? 479 BC

What happened? The Spartans met the Persian

army at Plataea. The Spartans were able to

drive the Persian army out of Greece for good.

This signified the end of the Persian Wars.

However, despite the great power and success Greece displayed as a unified country they did not stay that way. They joined with their old allies again between Athens and Sparta.

Also, the defeat of the Persians gave way to the Delian League, which eventually led to the Athenian Empire.

Effects of the Persian Wars

Creation of the Delian League The purpose of the League was

defense, waging a military campaign against the Persians and freeing the Greek cities that were still under Persian control.

Who lead the League? Athens, but each city-state had 1

vote-The League was essentially a democratic alliance between equals.

How did Athens benefit from the League?

As the League grew, the power of Athens, as leader of the League grew tremendously.

Athens grew very wealthy during this time! They were paid taxes by the other members of the League for maintaining the fleet.

With all of that money, Athens began to build things such as the Acropolis!

What was the change in the Delian League? Thasos was unhappy with

the League and payments to Athens and rebelled.

The revolt was not successful, but it was the first time in the League history where a decision was made only in regard to the interests of Athens rather than the interests of the League.

As Athens stood on the brink of becoming a democratic state, Pericles stood ready to move the Delian League into an Athenian Empire.

Pericles When did he rule?

461-429 BC, Athens Golden AgeOrganized Delian League

What were his 3 goals for Greece/Athens?1. Strengthen Athenian Democracy2. Make the Empire Strong3. Glorify Athens

Pericles and democracy Pericles felt that democracy

was a very important part of Athens. He allowed more people to

become involved in government offices and get paid. (Before this office holders weren’t paid, so only the rich could afford to be a public official.)

Pericles created the first city-state that ruled by Direct Democracy. Citizens rule directly, not

through representation. But not all citizens were

allowed to take part in the government.

Athenian vs. American democracy

Athenian Democracy- 18 yr old men allowed

to take part and vote- Have parents who are

citizens- Laws are voted on

and created by Assembly

-Executive branch composed of a council

of 50 men- Jury size varied -No appeals, no

attorneys, 1 day trial

American Democracy- Citizens born in U.S.

have all rights and vote - Representatives elected to vote on and create laws- Executive branch is an elected president and

appointed officials - Jury made up of 12

jurors- Defendants and

plaintiffs have attorneys- Appeals process

- Bill of rights to protect citizens

Similarities:Citizens have

political power3 Branches of

Government Legislative Branch:

passes laws Executive Branch:

enforces laws Judicial Branch:

conducts trials

Closing?1. If the Greeks had lost the Persian Wars what

gift from Athens may have been lost?2. What are some differences and similarities

between American and Athenian democracy?

3. What was the Delian League and how did it make Athens powerful?