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GREEK EXPANSION NOTES
Greek development occurred without any interference from SW Asian civilizations until 546 BCE.
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546 BCE: Cyrus of Persia conquered Greek colonies on the west coast of Asia Minor
Cyrus allowed Greek colonies to keep their governments, however later rulers would tighten
Persian rule and raise taxes
500 BCE- Greeks in Asia Minor rebelled against the Persian Empire.
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Colonies were supported by Athens: resulted in a series of conflicts between Greece and Persia
that lasted until 479 BCE. Known as the Persian Wars
War Under Darius
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Darius ruled Persians in 490’s BCE
Crushed any attempts of Greek colonial revolts in Asia Minor
Darius wanted to punish Athens for supporting the revolutions of the Greek colonies
492 BCE: Darius’ forces conquered Thrace and Macedonia, north of Baltic Peninsula
490 BCE: Persians invade Greece
The Athenian people defeated the Persian army in the Battle of Marathon.
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Persians withdrew; uneasy peace remained for 10 years
480 BCE: Xerxes (son of Darius) led Persian army and fleet against Greece
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Several Greek City-States joined forces in opposing the Persians
Persian army had to pass through narrow mountain pass. 300 Spartan warriors met them and
fought for 3 days before being killed. (known as battle of Thermopylae)
Battle of Thermopylae bought other city-states time to prepare for war
Persian Army advanced toward Athens.
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Athenian leader Themistocles advised Athenian people to leave the city and escape
Xerxes’ army destroyed Athens; pursued Athenian naval fleet in Salamis Strait
Persian navy was larger than Greek navy, yet Greek ships were more maneuverable. Result:
Sinking of several Persian ships
479 BCE- Athens and Sparta joined forces; defeated Persians at Plataea (Northwest of Athens)
Results of Persian War:
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Greek City-States in Asia Minor were free from Persian Rule
Athens was rebuilt; Athenian Empire began to grow in Aegean Sea
Sparta sought Greek unity under Spartan leadership (couldn’t send military away for long
periods of time due to fear of Helot revolt)
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Athens created Delian League: an alliance of city-states with Athens as a leader
o League included 140 City-States
o Each city-state contributed $$ or ships
By 450’s BCE Athens created an Empire based on the Delian League
461-429 BCE: Athens’ “Age of Pericles”
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Pericles was a general, orator, and statesman who held public office or was active in politics
from 461-429 BCE
Under Pericles, Athens reached its peak of power and wealth.
Government Under Pericles
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Athenian Democracy reached its height
All male citizens except for the lowest class could hold public office
Office holders were paid salary and chosen by lot
Athens achieved one of the most completely democratic government systems in history
Pericles also strengthened and extended Athenian Empire.
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Established colonies of Athenian citizens in important or rebellious areas
Kept Persians out of Aegean Sea
Athenian system of weights and measures became standard throughout the empire
Delian League members reaped benefits under Pericles, but lost their independence
o Athens and Pericles controlled Delian League
Pericles failed to unite Greece under Athenian rule. Sparta and Athens continued to clash over power
struggles. RESULT: Peloponnesian War
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Broke out in 431 BCE
27 year-long war
Sparta had greater military strength
Athens lost their democratic philosophies; Aristocrats briefly took over
After democracy was restored in Athens, internal fighting weakened Athenian Government.
Sparta, with help of Persia, managed to block Athenian food supply.
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404 BCE: Athens surrendered to Sparta
Constant struggle for power and unity divided Greece for several years
Greek civilization still made great advancements during this time