Satrapies—provinces of Persia Satrap—ruled each satrapies

—”protector of the kingdom” Zoroastrianism—Persian Religion.

Believed in one God—humans had the freedom to choose between right and wrong and that goodness would triumph in the end

Persia—modern day southwestern Iran

Persia were nomads and warriors

Cyrus the Great (559 BC to 530 BC)—united Persia into a powerful kingdom.

Beginning in 539 BC—Persia gained control of: Northern Mesopotamia

Asia Minor Syria Canaan Phoenician cities

Other leaders gained control of: Egypt, western India, and Thrace (northern region of Greece)

Darius—521 BC

20 Satrapies ruled by Satraps

Had a paid army—full-time army

10,000 protected the king called the Immortals

Zoroaster—born 660 BC

Found Zoroastrianism Monotheistic Good and Evil Humans had freedom to choose between

right and wrong In the end, goodness will triumph

Persia took over Greek Colonies in Asia Minor

499 BC, Athenian army helped the Greeks colonies rebel against the Persians.

King Darius decided to take over the mainland of Greece as a result.

490 BC—20,000 Persian soldiers landed on the plains of Marathon

Persians waited, but Athenians did not fight

As the Persians loaded back onto their ships to sail south, the Athenians attacked.

Pheidippides—messenger sent by the Athenians back to Athens to deliver the news 25 miles away.

Modern day Marathons are named for this famous run

480 BC—Xerxes (Darius son), vowed revenge against the Athenians

Launched an invasion of Greece with 180,000 soldiers, warships, and supply vessels

Greeks joined forces, including King Leonidas and the Spartans along with the Athenians and their general Themistocles

Greeks needed to cut off Persian supplies as the Persians marched south.

7, 000 Greek soldiers tried to block the Persians at a narrow pass named Thermopylae

A Greek traitor tipped off their location to the Persians

Legend of the Spartan 300 and King Leonidas

Battle of Salamis

Greek fleet attacked the Persians at the Strait of Salamis

Strait—narrow strip of water between two pieces of land

Greek ships were smaller, faster, and easier to steer through tight spaces

Persians marched on to Athens and burned the city

Battle at Plataea

Largest Army ever assembled by the Greeks

Defeated the Persians with solid body armor, longer spears, and better training

Persians retreated back to Asia Minor

Fall of the Persian Empire

Greed High Taxes Revenge Murder Rebellions