The Challenge of the Persian Empire 492-479 BCE Flashcards
Which Greek regions had been under Persian rule since the 6th century?
Cyprus and Asia Minor
What did Darius add to the Persian empire in the first 10 years of his rule?
Islands and cities in the east and north Aegean
Where did the Persians unsuccessfully invade in 499?
Naxos
What did the Persians’ failed invasion of Naxos lead to?
Cities in Asia Minor and Cyprus to rebel from Persian rule (the Ionian Revolt)
Where did Mardonius lead a campaign in 492?
Northern Greece
What was the ‘official’ objective of Mardonius’ campaign in 492?
To punish Athens and Eretria for sending ships to assist the Ionian Revolt
What suggested that Mardonius’ campaign had a different objective?
The invasion started north of Athens and Eretria
What does Herodotus say the Persians’ real objective of Mardonius’ campaign in 492 was?
To conquer as many Greek states as possible
What happened to Mardonius’ campaign in 492?
The fleet was wrecked off Mount Athos
What did Mardonius’ campaign in 492 achieve?
They captured the wealthy island of Thasos
What did Darius demand of the Greek states in 491?
Earth and water or to contribute to the invasion force if they were already under Persian control
Who medised in 491?
Many cities on the mainland and all of the islands
What were the main threats of Greeks medising?
They added to the Persians’ already superior numbers and provided them with knowledge of the land and cities
What happened to Darius’ heralds in Athens and Sparta and why was this unusual?
They were killed, heralds were usually given sacred protection
Why was Athens so opposed to the Persians?
The tyrant they had expelled, Hippias, had gone over to the Persians and wanted them to reinstate him in Athens
Who did Darius replace Mardonius with for the invasion in 490?
Datis and Atraphrenes
Which 3 cities did the Persians visit first in 490 and how were they treated differenetly?
Naxos, Delos and Eretria, Naxos and Eretria were sacked and their temples burnt but Delos was left untouched
Why did the Persians treat Delos differently?
Because it was the birthplace of two gods and had done Persia no harm
Who aided Athens in the Battle of Marathon in 490?
The Plataeans
Who else did the Athenians ask to help them at the Battle of Marathon in 490?
The Spartans
Why did the Spartans not help the Athenians at the Battle of Marathon in 490?
They wanted to but couldn’t leave Sparta because of a religious festival
Who advised the Persians to land at Marathon?
Hippias
Why did Hippias advise the Persians to land at Marathon?
It was good for their horses
What did the 10 Athenian generals sent to Marathon disagree on?
Whether to fight immediately for wait for Sparta