Persian Wars

The Persian Wars (490-479 BCE) were a series of conflicts between the Persian Empire and Greek city-states, primarily Athens and Sparta. They began when Persia sought to expand its influence into Greece. The most notable battles include the Battle of Marathon, where the Greeks won a surprising victory, and the naval Battle of Salamis, which was crucial for Greek success. The wars fostered a sense of unity among the Greek states against a common enemy. Ultimately, Greek victories preserved their independence, and these events significantly shaped Western civilization, leading to the rise of classical Greek culture.