Expansion of Greece
Persian Wars
The Causes of the Persian War
Darius wanted to punish Athens for helping the rebels. Darius hoped to gain control of the Greek mainland. In 496 B.C. his forces conquered Thrace and Macedonia. Two years later, the Persians invaded Greece itself. The Athenians, although, outnumbered, defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. Uneasy peace lasted for 10 years.
Results of the Persian Wars
Although Greek city-states in Asia Minor were now free from Persian rule, the Persian Empire still remained powerful. The Persians still meddled in Greek affairs and worked to prevent Greek unity. However, success against the Persians gave the Greeks confidence. The Athenians built their city and entered a period great cultural achievement. Athens began to create its own empire in the Aegean Sea.
Age of Pericles
The Significance of Pericles
Pericles was a general, orator, and statesman who held public office or was active in public life. During the years of Pericles's career, Athens reached its peak of wealth and power. Pericles's leadership was so important that this period is called the Age of Pericles.
Athenian Power
Under Pericles, Athens was strengthened and extended. He established colonies of Athenian citizens in important or rebellious areas. He used the Athenian navy to to keep the Persians out of the Aegean Sea. The rule of Pericles brought stability and prosperity to the eastern Mediterranean region. The members of the Delian League received these benefits but lost their independence.
Peloponnesian War
Athens and Sparta
Athens and Sparta were both responsible for the Peloponnesian War. The city-states had been rivals for years. The Spartans won the war.
Causes of the War
Pericles failed to unite Greece and Athens. Discontent grew. Quarrels over trade divided Athens and Corinth. Tensions between Athens and Sparta grew until war broke out.
Results of the War
After the Peloponnesian War, Greece was politically unstable. First Sparta and then Thebes tried to control all of Greece. They were defeated and wars between the city-states continued. Many Greeks felt that only a foreign power could unite Greece.