A Level Ancient History OCR

The Challenge of the Persian Empire 492–479

The Challenge of the Persian Empire 492–479

Ionian Revolt (499–494 BC)

• Miletus, a city in Ionia, led the revolt against Persian rule, which included several cities from the regions of Ionia and Aeolis.
• The revolt ended in a Persian victory at the Battle of Lade with Athens and Eretria previously offering some support to the Ionian states.
• Following the defeat, the Persians tightened control over their territories in Asia Minor.

First Persian Invasion (492 BC)

• Initiated by Darius I of Persia, primarily as a response to the earlier Athenian support to the Ionian revolt.
• The Persian forces controlled regions like Thrace and Macedon, but their fleet was destroyed by a storm, causing a full halt on the invasion.

Second Persian Invasion (490 BC)

• This was also led by Darius I, with his son in law Mardonius taking over after Darius's death.
• The Persians took control over Eretria but were defeated at the Battle of Marathon by an Athenian-led force, a defining moment in the formation of a distinct Greek identity.

Interwar Period (490–480 BC)

• During this period, various political changes occurred in Athens.
• Themistocles argued for the rebuilding and expansion of the Athenian navy, foreseeing a future Persian threat.

Third Persian Invasion (480–479 BC)

• Initiated by Xerxes I, son of Darius, for revenge and the desire to incorporate Greece into his empire.
• The famous battles of Thermopylae, Artemisium, Salamis, Plataea, and Mycale were fought during this invasion.
• Famous for the heroic defence by 300 Spartans at Battle of Thermopylae.
• The Persian army was eventually defeated at the Battle of Plataea and their navy at the Battle of Mycale, marking the end of the invasion.