In the 5th century BCE, the powerful Persian Empire clashed with the Greek poleis. Victory in this war brought about the golden age of Athenian democracy.
Persian Wars (492〜479 BCE)
- Battle of Marathon (490 BCE): The Athenian army repelled Persia
- Battle of Thermopylae: Spartan King Leonidas fought bravely with 300 men
- Battle of Salamis (480 BCE): A great victory under the command of the Athenian Themistocles
The Age of Pericles
After the Persian Wars, Athens prospered as the leader of the Delian League. Under the leadership of Pericles (443〜429 BCE), the Parthenon was built. Democracy approached completion through measures such as the development of a jury system.
After the Persian Wars, Athens prospered as the leader of the Delian League. Under the leadership of Pericles (443〜429 BCE), the Parthenon was built. Democracy approached completion through measures such as the development of a jury system.
Peloponnesian War (431〜404 BCE)
A pan-Greek war between Athens (the Delian League) and Sparta (the Peloponnesian League). The defeat of Athens marked the beginning of the decline of the polis system.
Key Points
- Marathon → Salamis repelled Persia
- Athens prospered after the Persian Wars → the Parthenon
- Athens was defeated in the Peloponnesian War → decline of the polis
Practice Questions
- Who commanded the Athenian army at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE?
- State the name of the military alliance led by Athens.
- What was the result of the Peloponnesian War?
Answers
- Themistocles
- Delian League
- Athens was defeated, and Sparta gained hegemony