Friday 10/14: Persian Wars Objective: Compare and contrast

the governments and cultures of Sparta and Athens.

Bell Work:

Complete the Sparta and Athens wrap-up worksheet…

DUE MONDAY!!!!

The Greeks at War!Between 500 and 400 B.C. the Greeks

fought several wars.

The wars that posed to biggest threat to Greek society and democracy as we

know it were the Persian Wars.

AdvantagesGreeks

Mixed Land/Water Forces (Sparta/Athens)

Well-trained Spartans

Phalanx fighting formation

Fighting mainly on home turf

Persians

Larger territory means more men, equipment and resources

Largest Ancient fighting force

DisadvantagesGreeks

Lesser Numbers

Mixed loyalties of City-States

PersiansFar from

home: reinforcements and supplies

Underestimated Greek strength

Persia Invades GreecePersia Invades GreeceThe Persian army had little trouble as it moved through

northern Greece.

It came to a narrow mountain pass called Thermopylae, there 7,000 Greeks waited for the endless number of

Persians (perhaps in the millions).

For several days they stopped the Persian army from moving forward

Someone led the Persians behind the Greek army, the Spartan soldiers began to retreat to their ships as the

Persians marched forward.

What Happened at Thermopylae?The Persians were en route to Athens…

If they made it to Athens, they would have destroyed much of the art, literature and culture.

They also would have squashed the thriving democracy in Athens

Athens convinced Sparta to join them in battle. Twenty Greek city-states joined together to meet the

Persian invaders.

Sparta took charge of the army.

A Small Spartan force of about 300 men commanded by King Leonidas, guarded the mountain pass of Thermopylae.

They held out heroically against he enormous Persian force for three days.

They were betrayed when someone told the Persians how to get in behind the army.

They were defeated, but won valuable time for the rest of the Greeks.

Results of the Persian Wars

Greece:

The Greek sense of uniqueness was increased.

Athens emerged as the most powerful city-state in Greece.

Athens organized the Delian League, an alliance with other Greek city-states.

Athens used the league to assert power and build an Athenian Empire.

They moved the treasury to Athens, and forced people to stay in the league against their will.

Athens enters “Golden Age”

Results of the Persian Wars

Persians:

Persians removed from power in Greece itself.

Persians still interfere in Greek/Mediterranean affairs.

Persian Empire still controls large territory and military force.

Significance of ThermopylaeUnifies Greece

City-states (like Athens & Sparta) are usually in competition with one another; the Persian Wars bring them together for a common cause

Protects Western CivilizationThe Persians had a vast empire and

one that was vastly different culturally. If they take over, Greek culture as we now know it would be over

Allows Modern Democracy to surviveAny Greek city-states trying to pursue

Democracy would see it fade away as conquered peoples of Persia

Video Clip:Last Stand of the 300:

Battle of Thermopylae