Download The Persian Wars: Background Information

The Persian Wars: Background Information
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The Persians were a group of people that came from the area that is now Iran.
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As the Persians expanded to the west, they tried to conquer the Greek territory.
The War Begins
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The Battle of Marathon- 490 BCE- The Persians landed at Marathon. The Persians were led by King Darius. The Greeks
were outnumbered, but won.
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The Battle of Thermopylae- In 480 BCE, a small army held back the Persians. However, a Greek traitor helped the
Persians find another route to the Greek soldiers. The Greeks lost this battle.
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Destruction of Athens- The Athenian leader lets the Persians destroy Athens because he wants to fight at sea instead.
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The Battle of Salamis- In 480 BCE, the Greeks defeat the Persians at sea, near the island of Salamis.
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The Battle of Plataea- In 479 BCE, A large Greek army defeats the Persians on land at Plataea, while the navy also wins a
battle at sea.
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The Delian League- In 478 BCE, many Greek states gave money and ships to form a large, strong navy to protect everyone
in the future. This would protect them if the Persians tried to attack again.
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End of the Persian Wars- Small battles continued until 449 BCE, when the Greek Delian League signed a peace treaty with
the Persians.