Persian Wars

Question 1

Cause of conflict

Ionian revolt was the 9/11 of the Ancient World - J. Hale

Answer 1

• Persian Imperialism (Herodotus): Spread to the west was a threat
• Ionian revolt at Naxos: Athenian help angered Darius; destruction of Sardis (Herodotus)
• Bury: Democracy was a threat to Persian empire
  Strong greek sentiment against tyrannies

Question 2

Battle of Marathon

Answer 2

• Land battle - disadvantage of Persian cavalry in mud
• Burial mound established unity and set Greece against a common enemy

Question 3

Miltiades

Answer 3

• Strategos at Marathon - knowledge of Persian tactics
• promoted the winning strategy - ‘first greeks to charge at a run’ - herodotus
• Surrounded the Persian soldiers by weakening the centre of the Phalanx and strengthening the sides

Question 4

Persian Strategy

Intimidation - “Mere ostentation… show his power” - Herodotus

Answer 4

• Mt Athos canal, Hellespont bridge of boats
• Show of numbers, infantry and cavalry
• Reinforcements through navy
• Worked for medization of smaller islands and beginning of the greco persian wars

Question 5

Greek strategy

Delay

Answer 5

• Unity - pan hellenic league
• Navy - Themistocles and Eurybiades
• Sparta to head the military - Leonidas

Question 6

Navy

“The fate of the Helles depended on her navy”

Answer 6

• Hindered Persian reinforcements (delaying the battle)
• Narrow strait at Salamis allowed skilful and fast triremes to attack heavy slow Persian ships
• Artemisium, Salamis helped other battles