Persian and Greek Wars Overview

Flashcards covering key terms and events from the Persian and Greek Wars.

Cyrus the Great

Founder of the Persian Empire who rose to power in 559 BC and conquered Babylon in 539 BC.

Darius I

Usurped the throne of Persia in 521 BC and ruled until 486 BC, known for his organizational skills.

Battle of Marathon

The 490 BC battle where Greeks, using a phalanx formation, achieved a surprising victory over the Persians.

Phalanx

A military formation used by Greek armies, characterized by tightly packed rows of soldiers.

Ionian Revolt

The uprising of Greek city-states in Asia Minor against Persian rule, which began in 499 BC.

Xerxes the Great

Son of Darius I, he led a massive Persian army against Greece during the Second Persian War (480 BC).

Battle of Thermopylae

A battle in 480 BC where 300 Spartans held off the Persian army before being betrayed.

Battle of Salamis

A naval battle in 480 BC where the Greeks defeated the larger Persian fleet in the strait of Salamis.

Delian League

An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens formed for mutual defense against Persia.

Plataea

The site of the final major battle of the Persian Wars in 479 BC, resulting in a decisive Greek victory.