Persian War
Usually the rich would be able to fight because bronze was used for weapons and armor and bronze was expensive. Then iron was found which was cheaper and more durable so everyone could fight. New battle tactics were also invented like the phalanx which was a new formation where men with long spears would be in front.
War was between Greece and the Persian Empire when the Persians conquered Ionia which was a small island. The Ionians revolted and asked for Athenian soldiers, which died. Darius the Great defeated the revolt and then went on to try and destroy Athens. The Persians sent 25000 men to attack the Athenians in Marathon and they were met by 10000 Athenians. 6000 Persians died and only 200 Athenians died. Athenians used phalanx and the Persians weren't well trained. Athenians used actual armor and were fighting for the motherland. Athens left their cities unprotected. A runner would run and tell Athens that they won. Persians attacked Athens but was defeated. Years later Xerxes, Darius' son, become ruler of Persia. He got together a bigger army to attack Athens. The Greeks were undecided on how to handle the situation. Fight, surrender, or fight against Greeks.
Battle of Thermopylae
7000 Persians against 300 Spartans and a couple thousand Greeks. The battle lasted 3 days. Someone told Xerxes of a secret path to surround the Spartans. The 300 Spartans died along with one of the Kings, Leonidas. This impressed the Greeks and gave them time to set up more defenses later.
Battle of Salamis
Greeks abandoned Athens and took refuge on an island a little ways away with their entire fleet. The Athenian fleet destroyed 1/3 of his army and ships.
The Delian League was created between all of the Greeks to kill all the Persians in Greece. This League was headquartered in Athens which gave them a lot of power and got them into their Golden Age.
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