Unit 6: The Persian Wars, Athens, and Herodotus: Objectives Flashcards
Q: Summarize the political evolution of Athens before the Persian Wars.
A: Athens transitioned from monarchy to aristocracy, then to democracy. Solon’s reforms (early 6th century BCE) reduced aristocratic control, and Cleisthenes (508 BCE) introduced democratic institutions like the Council of 500.
Q: Explain the causes of the Persian Wars.
A: Greek city-states in Ionia revolted against Persian rule (499 BCE), and Athens supported them, angering Persia. Darius I sought revenge, leading to the wars. Xerxes later continued Persia’s attempts to subjugate Greece.
Q: Summarize the main battles and strategies of the Persian Wars.
A: Major battles included Marathon (490 BCE, Greek victory), Thermopylae (480 BCE, heroic Greek defense), Salamis (480 BCE, naval Greek victory), and Plataea (479 BCE, final Greek victory). Greek strategies used superior tactics and terrain advantages.
Q: Recall features of Herodotus’ account of the Oracle of Delphi, Battle of Thermopylae, and Battle of Salamis from excerpts from his Histories.
A: Herodotus recorded the Oracle’s cryptic messages, Leonidas’ stand at Thermopylae, and Themistocles’ strategic deception at Salamis. His accounts blend fact, myth, and interpretation.
Q: Describe the features of Herodotus’ style of history writing.
A: Known as the “Father of History,” Herodotus used storytelling, firsthand accounts, and digressions. He explored causes, divine influence, and cultural context rather than strict chronology.
