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.