Greek-Persian Wars: Key Events and Outcomes

The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire from 499 BCE to 479 BCE. Despite their differences, the Greeks united against the larger Persian forces. The wars began with the Ionian Revolt and included key battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis. The Greeks, using strategic military tactics, ultimately defeated the Persians at the Battle of Plataea, securing their independence and preventing Persian expansion into Europe.

What was the initial cause of conflict between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire?

• The Persian invasion of Athens

• The conquest of Ionia by Persia

• The Battle of Marathon

• The betrayal at Thermopylae

How did the Greek city-states initially respond to Persian rule?

• They allied with Persia

• They sought help from the Greek mainland

• They immediately surrendered

• They ignored the Persian threat

What was King Darius's reaction to the Ionian Revolt?

• He sought peace with the Greeks

• He withdrew from Ionia

• He ignored it

• He decided to conquer mainland Greece

Which battle marked a significant Greek victory against the Persians?

• The Battle of Thermopylae

• The Battle of Marathon

• The Battle of Plataea

• The Battle of Salamis

Who continued the Persian campaign against Greece after King Darius's death?

• Xerxes

• Leonidas

• Cyrus

• Themistocles

What strategic location did the Greeks choose to defend against Xerxes's forces?

• Marathon

• Salamis

• Athens

• Thermopylae

How did the Greeks achieve victory in the naval battle at Salamis?

• By luring the Persians into narrow channels

• By forming an alliance with Egypt

• By using superior land forces

• By outnumbering the Persian fleet

What was the outcome of the Battle of Salamis for the Persian fleet?

• They won a decisive victory

• They retreated to Persia

• They captured Athens

• They lost 300 ships

What was the significance of the Battle of Plataea?

• It was an inconclusive battle with no clear winner

• It marked the beginning of the Persian Wars

• It was a Persian victory that led to the fall of Athens

• It was a decisive Greek victory ending the Persian Wars

What was the long-term impact of the Greek victory in the Persian Wars?

• Greece lost its independence

• Persia conquered the rest of Europe

• The Greek city-states were united under Persian rule

• Greece maintained its independence and prevented further Persian expansion