Differences Between Athens And Persian Empires

A misstep in Athenian diplomacy resulted in the greatest military threat that evidently put the freedom of Greece at risk from invasions from the Persian empire. The Persian empire was ultimately the largest most powerful military force found in the ancient world. Unlike the Persian empire, the Athenian empire was seen as insignificant and little was known about their reign. However, within two generations Athens would proceed to control the Athenian Empire. This transformation from little significance to an ultimate power is result of a generation long war that dubbed the Classical Age. The battle between the Athenians and the Persians uncover the military and political powers that will dominate the mainland of Greece. The beginnings of
Darius was tenacious and promised to rebel against the Greeks, unfortunately before his plans could be carried through he passed away. However, that was a hiccup, his son Xerxes I led the invasions against the greek mainland. The size of Xerxes` forces were ginormous and he believed that the Greek forces would surrender after learning the size of their forces. The Greeks seeked help from Sparta which resulted in their Spartan leader who would lead the Greeks to victory. The spartans exemplified major courage as their men directed by Leonidas and many other greeks held off Xerxes` army at Thermopylae. Xerxes was amazed that the spartans didn't resist, however the spartans refused to be threatened. In the midst of battle, the spartans were found combing their hair in order to feel a sense of pride and dignity before and if they were to be killed. However, the gallant spartans were ultimately defeated and failed to break the Persian
Proceeding the evacuation of the Athenians Xerxes was quick to burn Athens due to their disrespect and lack of loyalty to their ruler. The destruction of Athens, resulted in utter fear and desire to retreat from further demolition. However, at this point in the battle the Greek warships were set for sail and took off for the island of Salamis. They believed that the narrow passage would prevent the large Persian fleet from getting through, however, the Persians were quick to block both entry ways leaving the Greek fleet trapped. Fortunately the Athenians were equipped with a vessel, trireme, that was built for speed, however the tight space in the Salamis channel left no room for the grand vessel to showcase its ability. In result, this allowed for the heavier more sturdy Greek ships to ram into the less sturdy Persian ships. This ultimately led to the Greek's victory at Salamis, but rendered to the beginning of Themistocles. After Xerxes defeat he made a generous offer to the Athenians that included complete restoration if they agreed to make peace with one another. This scared the Spartans, however, the Greeks reassured them that nothing could amount to the pride that they had for themselves. Therefore, the Spartans built a wall across to connect the Peloponnese peninsula to central Greece, which was constructed to block the Persians from any further attacks.