The Persian War
Read the handouts on the Persian War. Working with your group, complete the chart. Make sure you use specific facts from the reading to support your position.
A. Expansion of the Persian Empire
Statement / What do you think?(True or False) / Supporting Facts from the Reading
1. The powerful Persian army’s size varied as the Persians conquered land from India to Egypt.
2. Conquered peoples under Persian rule, especially under Darius, were treated well.
3. The Persian Empire was one great wealth and beauty.
4. Darius did not feel the need to continue to expand his empire.
5. Greek life in the city-state was just as organized and united as in the Persian Empire.
B. The Ionian Revolt
Statement / What do you think?(True or False) / Supporting Facts from the Reading
1. Ionia, located in Anatolia, was a prosperous area.
2. The Ionians were just as satisfied with Persian rule as the other areas Persia conquered.
3. All the Greek city-states volunteered to help Ionia in their revolt.
4. With the continued support of the Greeks, the Ionians were successful in their revolt.
5. Darius vowed to make the Athenians pay for their role in the revolt.
C. The Battle of Marathon
Statement / What do you think?(True or False) / Supporting Facts from the Reading
1. As the Persian War began, the outnumbered Athenians asked the Spartans for help. The Spartans readily agreed.
2. The Battle of Marathon began slowly, as the Greeks and Persians waited each other out. Finally, the Persians decided to take action.
3. As the Persian cavalry set off for Athens, Militades attacked the Persian foot soldiers and won a huge victory.
4. While many know of Pheidippides “run”, the Battle of Marathon was a huge victory.
D. The Battle of Thermopylae
Statement / What do you think?(True or False) / Supporting Facts from the Reading
1. Xerxes, Darius’s son, wanted to expand the Persian Empire by attacking mainland Greece.
2. Xerxes’ large army was easily able to cross into Europe.
3. Athens and Sparta could not agree how to work together to conquer the Persians.
4. The Battle of Thermopylae was an all around crushing defeat for the Persians.
E. The Battle of Salamis
Statement / What do you think?(True or False) / Supporting Facts from the Reading
1. Themistocles was able to convince the Greek navy to fight back the Persians.
2. Xerxes was very enthusiastic and confident in attacking Salamis.
3. Themistocleswas able to trick Xerxes into battle.
4. The Greek navy was superior to the Persian navy.
5. The Persian War ended in 479 B.C.E. with the Persians suffering defeat.