
Plataea (Battle of)
The Battle of Plataea, fought in 479 BCE, was a crucial conflict during the Greco-Persian Wars. Greek city-states, mostly led by Sparta and Athens, united to resist the Persian Empire’s invasion. The battle took place near Plataea in Greece, where the Greeks decisively defeated the Persian forces, ending Persian ambitions in Greece. This victory helped preserve Greek independence and laid the foundation for the subsequent rise of classical Greek civilization. It is considered one of the turning points that shaped Western history, showcasing the effectiveness of Greek unity against a formidable invader.