Download 1st Persian War - Culture, Conflict and Civilization

• The Persian’s expand their empire and conquer Ionia.
• They charge high taxes and impose strict and brutal rulers.
• Some Greek city states got together to help the Ionians revolt
against the Persian Empire.
• The revolt ultimately failed and made the Persians want to
conquer Athens (instigator).
• Under the leadership of King Darius, the Persians attempted a
seaborne invasion of Athens.
• The Persians loaded ships with Calvary and landed on the
island of Eretria. (walled city, back door open)
• The Persians then pressed on and landed forces on Marathon,
which was Athenian territory.
• When word reached the capital that Persians hand landed in
Marathon the Greeks had to make big decisions.
• Keep democracy? Go back to oligarchy (effective for war)?
Surrender?
• The Greeks kept democracy and voted to go to war.
• The Greeks are outnumbered 4:1
• Spartans do not send help
• The Greeks decide to charge headlong into the Persian forces.
Close quarters advantage.
• The Greeks then pull back and utilize flanking to repulse the
Persian advance.
• Send Pheidippides to warn Athens.