“The Greek World 500-440BC

The Persian Empire

Darius king- constructing Persepolis in 522BC 512- Darius defeated Thucydeans and Greece payed attention- now on doorstep. 3 attempts to capture Greece by Persians spread over 13 years. Miletus in Ionia start of Greek Conflict. Cause of war could be Skypian Campaign in 513 and 512 and Imperialism Ionian revolt cause is revenge for Athenians and Eretreans sending help to the Ionians in the

revolt. Cause for international Persian war- financial. Very fertile area, Persia protecting and

growing their wealth. Darius unsure of Athens participating and trying to protect. Causes include liberty (2), imperialism (1), revenge (4), economic motive (3) 492- Persians under general Mardonius to teach Eretrians and Athenians a lesson 492 at Athos- Persian fleet destroyed in violent storm. Lost over 200 ships with over 100

men, therefore retreat 490- Persians tried again to get revenge- sailed straight across Aegean and captured islands

as they went

Imperialism

Long term issue Force of imperialism- an unstoppable dynamic force pushing an empire to continue its

expansion Persians would send out official to village to demand surrender- if they didn’t get what they

want, they’d capture them anyway

Liberty

Megalomania of Persian kings Horror and sympathy felt at the brutal treatment meted out by Persians to Greeks in Ionian

cities such as Miletus after the revolt (Greek Perspective) Was Persian-Greek conflict part of an eternal east-west conflict of ideas, values and culture?

Revenge

Ionian Revolt of 499-498 was of fundamental importance. King Darius wanted to punish Athens and Eretria who helped Ionian rebels. The destruction of Sardis was a crime that had to be avenged (Persian)

Former tyrant of Athens, Hippias, who ruled the city from 527-510BC manoeuvred to gain Persian backing for his return to power over the city state

Other Reasons

Need of each Persian king to outdo predecessor- Cyrus gained land from Media to Ionia, Cambyses took Egypt, Darius gained a foothold in Europe, what was left for Xerxes

Battle of Marathon (Decisive Battles Video)

Reasons for Victory Contribution of Miltiades Only large battle plain was at Marathon

which unfortunately had mashes that affected the battle

Greeks are neighbours fighting for independence with Hoplon soldiers and Phalanx (armour) vs. very little protective armour worn by Persians who all came from different places within Persian empire with no common language, fighting because they were told to

If Persians lost they’ll probably be killed Greece didn’t want Hippeas to gain crowd Tyritus took roughly half the army from

Marathon to Athens to try and capture Athens

Greeks with Phalanx didn’t stick with typical out lie- they ran when arrows shot rather than walked, they had 4 rows along the line of the Phalanx rather than normal 8, which was just on edge.

Persians underestimated Greeks- only limited number of soldiers can come on ships

Greeks had heavy defensive armour in comparison to Persia’s light cavalry missile power

Greeks familiar with territory, unlike Persians

Commander of all army Miltiades’s scouts uncovered rouse of Tyritus

and so they realised it was the opportune moment to strike whilst Persia couldn’t unload the cavalry and they had roughly the same size

(Seizing Kairos) the opportunity to seize the moment

Strategy- instead of deep rectangles, he makes elongates the army with a weak centre and strong wings- the wings close and encircle the Persians

Told Phalanx to run when bows were shot

Battle of Marathon, 490BC

Classic examples ofo Land power vs sea powero Heavy infantry shock system vs. light cavalry missile powero 4 types of Amphibious Operation

Athenians

o Led by Miltiades and Callimachuso 10,000 troopso Phalanx formationso Heavy Infantryo Shock Action/ No firepowero No cavalryo Unbreakable front, vulnerable flanks

Persianso Led by Darius

Datis- Army Commander Artaphernes- Navy Commander

o 600 galleyso 10-15,000 troopso Light forceo Primarily cavalryo Missile power, no shock

Reasons to invade Athenianso Punish Athenians for supporting Ionian revolt in 499BCo Secure west flank of Aegean sea for Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC)o To secure south flank for attack on Scythianso To build Persian Empire

How Darius gets to fighto By land, supported logisitically by navy

Persian strength- army Not limited on number of troops Long, difficult, time consuming route Best option with Greeks

o By sea with an amphibious landing Direct route Persia is not a naval power Size of invasion force limited by transport capacity What happened in 490BC

490BC- Darius decides to conduct amphibious operation Landed at Marathon because of Intel from Hippias, unopposed landing site, draw garrison

army out of Athens, Conduct an amphibious envelopment on an unprotected Athens, Marathon supposedly had good terrain for cavalry- it doesn’t. Too swampy

Conduct of battleo Athenians attack Persians on beach

Extend phalanx, reinforce flanks and thin centre They anchor the flanks along terrain obstacles Persians push through the weakened Greek centre Strong Greek flanks destroy lightly armed Persian flanks, and collapse on the

Persian centre (double envelopment) Hand-to-hand combat- decisive victory for Athens

What then happenedo Persian forces still attempted an amphibious envelopment on Athenso Successful Athenians returned to the city via inland, direct routeo Spartan reinforcements arrivedo Political intrigue did not manifest in fall of Athenso End result: Persians unable to land and conduct decisive battle.

Reasons for Greek Victory

GIVE PROOF FOR ALL

Armour and weapons- better armed and protectedAthenian and Pletenians better armed than Persians (Grieves- legs, cuirass- upper body, etc) Persians only had Wicar shield

Lack of cavalry- which are main fighting force of Persians Naval Power very important- if we can cut off their supply line, we can win (if we can’t, the

amphibious style of Persia will ruin us) Geography and terrain

Knowledge of Terrain- more neutralising to the strongest part of the Persian armies- the cavalryMiltiades tactics of rushing at Persian centre prevents Persians from taking advantage of superior numbers

Skill and leadership of Miltiades clearly significant factor- time he spent in Charanise taught him of possible Persian tactics, his ability to convince people to make him general and convince war leader as well as devise the best strategy

Greeks fighting for life and freedom for themselves and their families, whilst fighting alongside friends and countrymen vs. Persians’ multinational head fit which is not well trained together and lack of understanding from one group to another- why are we here? EtcIssues of Morel

Persian responsibility for defeat at Marathon

Persian inability to react to Miltiades’ leadership- lack of quality leaders (?), language barrier Language barrier due to multinational army/ miscommunication Main fighting force not there- the cavalry are on a ship Underestimated Greeks (particularly Greek morel)- thought they were unbeatable Overestimated the ability of Hippius, didn’t value why Hippius was kicked out in the first

place- democracy and ability of the people to run their own show Was the wrong terrain- didn’t use their cavalry Armour!!

Historians about Invasion of 490BC- Battle of Marathon- and Miltiades role

A R Burn: Persia and the Greekso “… the Greeks, with their usual incurable optimism, underestimated the continuing

danger. They returned in the following years to the gratification of their internal grudges, while Persia returned to the strategy of an advance round the Aegean, convinced that greater forces would be needed for the conquest of the Greek mainland…”

o Miltiades made sure the Greeks realised how big a threat that was looming over them

J A R Munro: The Deliverance of Greeceo “…driven to attenuate his centre, he snatched victory out of its defeat. Marathon

was a triumph of the intelligent use of tactics, discipline and armament”o Miltiades was the one who understood the Persian way of doing thingso Miltiades understood Persian strengths and weakness and proved to be master of

timingo Quick to seize best position and knew when to take offensive

Victor Ehrenberg: From Solon to Socrateso “… Both sides had learnt a good deal about one another. The Persians, in particular,

must have realised the error of their strategy; it was the obvious thing for them to return to Mardonius’ plans… On the Greek side the weakenss of the Persian infantry… made a deep impression, and the belief that Persian superior power was not invincible created a false idea of the enemy…”

Inter- war period: preparation and developments in Persia and Greece

Major developments in Greece and Persia 490-480BCo GREECE

Athens-Aegina War (Athens anger at Aegina’s decision to medise in 490BC) Athenian political developments and the rise of Themistocles Greeks prepare for invasion (recalling ostracised and Greek Congress held to

plan joint Greek action)o PERSIA

Internal Problems (death of King Darius and outbreak of rebellion in Egypt) The Persians prepare for war (only once Xerxes had consolidated power) Why did Xerxes invade? (Persia’s desire to avenge defeat at Marathon)

490- Battle of Marathon, Persia defeated and return to Asia, Aegina medises 489- Miltiades’ unsuccessful campaign against Paros, Death of the Spartan King, Cleomenes 488- Death of Miltiades 487- War breaks out breaks out between Athens and Aegina that continues throughout 480s 486- Egypt revolts against Persian rule 485- Death of Darius, Xerxes becomes King of Persia 484- Xerxes suppresses Egyptian revolt, Athenian general, Xanthippus, is ostracised 483- Themistocles convinces the Athenians to use their newly discovered silver wealth on

building a fleet construction of canal at Mt. Athos

482- Athenian statesman, Aristides, is ostracised 481- Congress of the Isthmus at Corinth meets 480- Xanthippus and Aristides recalled from exile as a Persian invasion looms

Athens- Aegina war

Aegina was strongest naval power in Aegean at time and Athens/Aegina relations had been poor for a while

Athens thought Aegina would side with Persia at Marathon so Athens got Spartan King, Cleomenes, to take 10 Aeginan hostages and give them to Athens (by medism, Sparta was betraying Greece) which prevented Aegina openly siding with Persian

With Cleomenes’ death in 489BC, relationship between Athens and Aegina changed dramatically

Aegineatans demanded Sparta use influence to force Athens to return hostages Athens refused the request of Spartan King, Leotychides War started as result Attempted pro- Athenian democratic coup in Aegina led by Nicodromus collapsed when

Athenian help arrived too late. 700 democrats in Aegina were executed Athens won naval victory but subsequent siege of town failed when Aegina gained support

of 1000 volunteers from Argos. Athenians were routed as they fled to ships Tit-tat reprisals between two cities continued for 2 years

Athenian political developments and rise of Themistocles

Key internal political developments in Athens in 480sBC includes:o Increasing use of ostracismo Lessening importance of position of archono Growing importance in position of strategoi

Growing importance of strategoi would be crucial- gradually any Atehnian politician of ability and energy would seek election as strategoi if he was to have hope of making a mark in Athenian political life

By mid 480sBC, weapon of ostracism being used constantly- with main reason for ostracism being men feared as potential tyrants

First two ostracised were Hipparchus and Megacles- both men related to families that had been politically powerful in Athens recently and suggested the democratic element in Athens was becoming increasingly influential

Leading political figures in Athens at this time were Xanthippus, Aristides and Themistocles, who were not feared as potential tyrants but ostracism would be used either against them or by them to promote own political power

Xanthippus was (one of those) responsible for bringing down Miltiades, and as Herodotus says in Book VI, 136 “… Miltiades on his return to Athens, became the talk of the town; many were loud in their censure of him, and especially Xanthippus, who brought him before the people to be tried for his life on the charge of defrauding the public”. He was ostracised in 484BC

Aristides known as ‘the just’ and renown for honesty and integrity. He was a major rival of Themistocles but was willing to work with is rival for the good of Athens. Herodotus says in

480, around the time of the Battle of Salamis, “… Themistocles was no friend of his (Aristides); indeed he was his most determined enemy; but Aristides was willing, in view of the magnitude of the danger which threatened them, to forget old quarrels in his desire to communicate with him…” Aristides was ostracised in 482BC

Themistocles gained from ostracism of his rivals, but success far more important to Athens than mere political rivalries. Themistocles and Aristides had major policy differences which would have a major impact on development of Athens- Themistocles’ political victory over Aristides which would arguably save Greece in 480BC and would lead Athens on road of imperial domination

Greeks prepare for invasion

In 481BC, Xerxs sent heralds to all Greek states, except Athens and Sparta, demanding tokens of submission: earth and water- this suggest Athens and Sparta beyond scope of any Persian mercy

481BC- congress of Greek states called which met on isthmus separating Corinthian Gulf from Saronic Gulf- Sparta presided

o Hellenic league set upo Decided that any Greek state which voluntarily ‘medised’ would be ‘tithed’ – wealth

would be confiscated and a tenth given to God at Delphio 31 Greek states at Congress but Northern states absent as they knew they would

bear brunt of early Persian attack and they did not want to commit until they were sure Greek forces, particularly Sparta, were going to be sent North to protect

Indication of Greek unity was fact that existing inter-state feuds put aside (Athens-Aegina conflict)

o This meant two largest Greek navies would fight together against Persia Question of leadership considered

o Spartan leadership of land forces automatico Jealousy growing of growing Athenian power and Greek states would only accept

Spartan naval leadership- Athens yields to this Appeals

How well prepared were the Greeks and the Persians leading up to the Battle of Thermopylae?

Greek Preparation:

Battle of Marathon- starts building ships, silver mine in Lararium *suggest used by Themistocles

o Very well prepared as built ship and strategy- naval preparation, and importance of naval preparation

o Became 2nd most powerful naval supremacyo Themistocles very important- forward thinking, got important point across without

being ostracised so good at speaking, etc Battle at Marathon- Tyrany to Democracy

o Teaches you government system workingo Politically feeling well preparedo Top of game at Morel (Athenian 152 dead archaeological evidence)

Interwar Period- most significant things done by Greekso 481- Started preparation of defence for Greek homeland

Formation of Hellenic League- let’s use our power to stop the Persians Stops all inter-Hellenic feuds- specifically Aegina and Athens Sparta given command- both army and navy

Peloponnesian League, Themistocles’ wisdom that there’s no point squabbling between themselves so hands over navy command

All states that had medised voluntarily should have their lands confiscated and people enslaved

Sends 3 spies to Persia to investigate the Persian army at Sardis (80,000 according to modern historians)

Xerxes psychological warefare- captures spies and sends them through the army and then comes back with report

Athens approaching colonies to request military aid- Syracuse, etc.o Very well prepared- particularly middle of Freece

Persian Preparation

500- even before battle of Marathon, they were prepared and had Northen States that had medised

Battle of Marathon-o Although they lost, it was insignificant to the Persian army ‘but a pinprick’- ~~~

Interwar periodo King Darius dies, Egypt and Babylon revolt, so Xerxes has to control revolts before he

can deal with Greeceo Implemented carefully planned program- to ensure efficient and safe movement as

as well as victoryo 484-481 had various building projects

Took 3 years to build canal through Isthius Not going to give Greeks Morel Bridges were built over the Hellspont and river Strymon Roads were also built and paved where necessary in order to cope with

wheeled transport All projects built at once Food depots were also located on route, particularly through Thrace

Guard posts and courier stations were established to protect Persian lines of communication

Extremely well prepared for all circumstances, except for armour- flawed strategy and armour weapons not well prepared

Results of Artemisium and Thermopylae

Persian fleet had been reduced in strength by about halfo Herodotus suggests about 1/3 of fleet destroyed prior to thiso Strategy changes- large number of ships needed to support, can’t split army-

divergent actions around Greek mainland now not possibleo The significance- the Greeks now can congregate in large groups together because

Persians can’t go where they want and pick off small groups of Greeks Athens Evacuated

o People sent to Aegina, Salamis and Troizeno Belief that some of older men and priests stayed at Acropolis to protecto Oracle suggested that wooden walls would be their defense- Themistocles oratory

skills convinced them that the wooden walls was their ships Greeks gained time

o Most of troops sent to North- Thermopylae- survived another day to fight latero Fleet still in fairly good shape- but did take some loses at Artemisium ( large number

of Persian and Greek fleet destroyed in storms before battle- but more Persians)o Finds reason for others to fight for a common cause

20,000 of 80,000 lost at Thermopylae- Persians- 4,000 of Greeks beaten Persians able to take central Greece by Greeks evacuating Destruction of Athens follows closely as end result of battles- Athens open for Persian

revenge as evacuated Delphi- Herodotus suggests that God’s saved temples

What allows the Greeks win the final waro Time to reconsider strategieso Storm and battle if Artemisium destroyed large number of Persian fleet so they

couldn’t continue amphibious warfareo Herodotus states roughly 20,000 men died in battles, 1/3 of fleet wiped out in storm

prior to battle

Evaluate the reasons for Greek victory and Persian defeat

Issue of Leadership Role of Geography and the elements Issue of armour, equipment and tactics Role of Greek Unity

EVALUATE MAKE A JUDGEMENT

INTRODUCTION!!! 6-8 Lines long, clear introductionInclude dates and source names.

There are various reasons for Greek Victory and Persian defeat in the Persian wars which lasted from 490-479BCE. However, from ancient and modern sources such as Herodotus and Buckley, it can be stated that the most significant reasons that influenced the outcome of the Persian Wars include the issue of leadership, the role of geography and the elements, the issue of armour, equipment and tactics and the role of Greek unity.

Issue of Leadership:

Write chronologically, decide who you will write about

“One of the reasons for Greek victory is clearly seen in the superiority of military leadership of the Greeks”

Leonidaso Decision to avoid fighting at Tempe

Important decision that came from understanding Greek Strategy- wouldn’t have been a navy there to support

o Delaying action at Thermopylae Allowed strategy to unfold Shows some sort of unified political action

o Leonidas’ courage and self-sacrifice Someone who fought to the end and knew he had to die, unlike Xerxes

o Impact of Thermopylae on Greek moral Made them a lot more confident in the battle and influenced these people

“… He stayed, with his own regiment, so that others may live to fight another day; he keeps his place among the heroes, with all who have given their lives for a good reason when they might have lived longer…” –A R Burn

Themistocleso Foresight in developing the Athenian Naval Power

Oratory skills, wooden walls being ships, the silver used for navy

o Insistence of getting his way Particularly at Salamis- understanding of need of evacuation and that

moving to Isthmus would be bado Willingness to employ questionable efforts for the ‘Greater Good’ (for Greeks)

Sending messenger to Persian Fleet to tell Persians the Greeks are fighting so at their most vulnerable

o Tactical naval skills Fought at Artemisium and Salamis, and helped Eurobiades

Plutarch on Themistocles: “…. But the greatest of all his achievements was to put an end to all the fighting within Greece, to reconcile the various cities with one another and persuade them to lay aside their difference s because of the war with Persia”

Pausaniaso The ability to hold the Greek forces together

Platea 479BCEo Ways of coping with logistical difficulties

Turns bad situation into victoryo Herodotus praises him and raves on about the importance of Pausanias

Herodotus was pro-Athenian but praising Spartans highly

“Then was the warning of the oracle fulfilled; and the vengeance which was due to the Spartans for the slaughter of Leonidas was paid them by Mardonius- then too did Pausanias… win a victory exceeding in glory all those to which our knowledge extends.”

Eurobiadeso Effective relationship with Themistocleso Accepts he doesn’t know much about Navyo Location skills- fighting in straits rather than Isthmus- accepted what was being told

“At the words of Themistocles, Eurobiades changed his determination…”- Herodotus

One reason for Greek Victory was the Greek’s superior quality of leadership. Greece had a range of intelligent military leaders, including Themistocles and Leonidas, both of whom were instrumental in ensuring Greek Victory.Themistocles has been accredited over the years as one of the reasons for Greek victory. He had extremely good oratory skills which led to convincing Athens that the Delphic oracle stating “Hide behind your wooden walls” actually meant “build a navy”, and the silver spoken of was to be used to build said navy. His ability to step as for unity is also instrumental in ensuring Greek victory. At the Council of the Hellenic League, he stepped aside and allowed Spartans to lead the Athenian navy. As well as this, he managed to stop inter-Greek fighting, such as the Aeginan-Athenian war. Plutarch, in particular, praises Themistocles for being able to do so. “…. But the greatest of all his achievements was to put an end to all the fighting within Greece, to reconcile the various cities with one another and persuade them to lay aside their difference s because of the war with Persia.”Leonidas is another very important leader for Greece. His significance lies in his decision making and

the effect of the choices he made. Mainly, his contribution was going in to battle knowing that for the Greeks to win, he would have to die. He was an influential leader whose courage and self-sacrifice left a lasting impact on Greek moral. The aftermath of the battle of the 300 Spartans that left the Spartans dead, but the Persians with significantly lower numbers served as encouragement to the Greeks that they had to try and fight well so that Leonidas’ death would not be in vain. It also encouraged them as they knew the prophecy was now in the process of being fulfilled, so victory could certainly occur.

o Decision to avoid fighting at Tempe Important decision that came from understanding Greek Strategy- wouldn’t

have been a navy there to supporto Delaying action at Thermopylae

Allowed strategy to unfold Shows some sort of unified political action

o Leonidas’ courage and self-sacrifice Someone who fought to the end and knew he had to die, unlike Xerxes

o Impact of Thermopylae on Greek moral Made them a lot more confident in the battle and influenced these people

“… He stayed, with his own regiment, so that others may live to fight another day; he keeps his place among the heroes, with all who have given their lives for a good reason when they might have lived longer…” –A R Burn

Reasons for Persian Defeat with the issue of leadership

Xerxes (480 and 479)o Huberus- overconfidence and arrogance and rashness

Great administrator but not tactician and had dealt with a few revolts well “The Persians” Didn’t learn from mistakes- armour!

o Wasteful tactics At Thermopylae, just keeps sending men in despite the fact that there was

no chance they could win and they were continually being slaughtered. SOURCE: Herodotus Artemisium- I have heaps of boats so I’ll keep sending them in, despite not

understanding the terraino Reckless ambition and youth

No experience, desperate for glory Who did he listen to; advisor- Mardonius- who wants to be glorified Didn’t just stop at Athens when they had revenge, but tried to keep going

1 paragraph using these pointsWell structures and includes sources!!! At least one source- try for 2.

In comparison, Persian leadership, specifically Xerxes’ leadership, lead to the defeat of Persia.Xerxes was over confident. His huberus blinded him to the point where he did not learn from mistakes- that the armour needed to be changed. He was a great administrator, but was not a tactician, so he listened to his advisor, Mardonius, who wished for glory. Xerxes did not understand battle, and so employed wasteful tactics, such as continually sending boats in at Artemisium, despite lack of understanding of the terrain.

“Their light clothing, and want of bucklers, were of the greatest hurt to them: for they had to contend against men heavily armed, while they themselves were without any such defence.” –Herodotus

“Moreover, they (the Greeks) had the training and discipline to make their superiority tell. The victory at Plataea was won, not by strategic skill, but by the material equipment and training of the Greek infantrymen”- Raphael Sealey

The Role of Geography and the Elements

In order to invade Greece, Xerxes forces had to march through Asia Minor, cross the Hellespont, travel through Thrace into Northern Greece, and then Attica

The fleet attempted to keep in contact with the army by hugging the coastline This fact alone presented the Persians with major problems

o Lines of communication and supply were long If storms come up, there’s nowhere to hide

Storms come up, it takes days to go from 1 end of army to other end so can’t tell people

o Necessity of living off the land Geography of Greece not conducive to the yields the massive Persian army

would needo Naval failures would jeopardise the land and sea strategy of the Persians

Sepias storm Indecisive results around Artemisium

o Existence of Narrow passes in Northern Greece Thermopylae Very few open plains

o Tightness of strait of Salamis greatly assisted Greek tactics Highlight value of ships in Ancient world, large numbers of ships gone, 170 men on each

ship, moral. Highlight role at Thermopylae- calvary (also Marathon, and Salamis’ straits)

Issue of armour and equipment

Greeks had major advantages in terms of armour, equipment and military tactics Better armed and equipped

o Details: Explain armour and weaponso Use terminology

Tactics: Phalanx, discipline of much more experienced armyo Sparta, battle of Plataea

Style is to fight from distance- archers with Persia, Greek style hand to hand combat Persians lacked armour- wicker shield

o This style worked for Persians for long time, but Greek geography and tactics neutralised normal Persian advantages and gave advantage to Greeks

Evidence highlighted at Thermopylae and Plataea

Issue of Greek Unity

Word “Greece” geographical description, not political unity- not nationalist unity Dozens of independent city states constantly at heads with each other What was remarkable during this war was cohesiveness of Greek forces Congress at Corinth- 481 and 480, leading to Hellenic league Serpent Column is archaeological evidence listing 31. Pausanias commanded 24 polis at Plataea Troizen Inscription (if used, state the issues with it) Greek willingness to accept Spartan leadership shows unity; particularly navy of Athens after

Marathon Athens and Aegina’s willingness to stop fighting

Aristides (the Just)

General of his tribe and fought at the Battle of Marathon in 490BCEo Plutarch says at time of Marathon, he was 2nd most powerful man in Athens, behind

only Miltiadeso Supported Miltiades’ at Marathon at going outside Athens to fight

His major opponent was Themistocles.o He supported Aristocratic form of Government

Ostracised before the second Persian invasion

o Out maneuvered by Themistocles He’s recalled from exile to play a significant role in 480BCE Led the Athenian troop who attacked the Persians at the island of Psyttaleia in 480BCE (Near

Artemisium) Led the Athenian Contingent at Battle of Plataea (479 BCE) (Appointed Athenian general will

full military powers) (Commanded 8000 Hoplites) At Mycale, appointed a general Plutarch (Aristides) (sturdy, ‘steadfast character that was intent on justice and incapable of

any falsehood, vulgarity and trickery’…) Despite issues with Themistocles, he worked for the good of Athens

Assess the career of Aristides during the period of 500-440BCE

Me: Aristides’ contributions to the Athenians in the period of 500-440BCE was significant in the campaigns against the Persians. He was a general and helped lead the Greeks, specifically Athens, to victory in the Battles of Marathon (490), Psyttaleiaa (480) and at Plataea (479). He also was significant in helping to organise the Delian league. Sources such as Plutarch state how Aristides worked for the good of Athens despite issues with Themistocles, living up to his nickname of “Aristides the Just”.

Aristides’ contribution to the Athenians in the period of 500-440BCE was significant in the campaigns against Persia. Despite being ostracised from Athens, as a result of his good leadership at the Battle of Marathon, he was recalled in 480 to assist as a leader with the battles at Artemisium, Plataea and Mycale. He also played a significant role in helping organise the Delian league. Plutarch states that despites personal issues, he consistently worked for the goods of Athens, living up to his nickname of “Aristides the just”

Aristides played a significant role in the wars against the Persians, though he had his political setbacks in the 480’s BCE: Dates, Marathon, 2nd to Miltiades

Aristides played a significant role in the wars against the Persians. During the Battle of Marathon in 490BCE, Aristides acted as second fiddle to Miltiades.

Sir: Aristides played a key role in the campaigns against the Persians. Though out-maneuvered by Themistocles in the 480’s, he returned to direct Athenian and Delian League affairs. Trusted by one and all, Aristides was the key figure behind the organisation and running of the Delian League.

Activities of the League

Using Source 9.22- Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, I, 98

1. Which Athenians were most influential in the formation and early history of the League?Whilst Aristides was instrumental in the early organisation of the league, and Xanthippus was involved in the early naval actions of the League, Cimon had the most significant contributions during this period.

2. Why does Thucydides think the action against Naxos is a significant development?Thucydides thinks that the besiegement of Naxos by the Athenians is a significant development of Athenic imperialism. It was when Athens went from being a popular leader to a tyrannical ruler of its ‘allies’.

3. Why does the Battle of the Eurymedon River appear to be an important turning point in the League’s history?

4. What were some of the reasons for revolts against Athens according to the information given in this section and source 9.22?

5. According to Source 9.22, how have Athens’ relations with her allies changed since the early days under Aristides?Whilst the Delian league was under Aristides leadership, Aristides was ‘just’ and fair in all decisions. Whereas Athens’ relationship with her allies after Aristides was poor, with Athens insisting on obligations being exactly met,

Activity: Short Response

CIMON

Main source is Plutarch! (biographies)

Plutarch doesn’t cover up Cimon’s issues- incest, etc

Describes him as admirable for his statesmanship, military skills and integrity

Who gained brilliant success against the barbarians yet he was also a moderate statesman who succeeded better than any others in giving his country a breathing space to recover from the violence of party strife”- Plutarch

“He was as brave as Miltiades, as intelligent as Themistocles and there superior as a statesman”

Son of Miltiades (Background)

480BCE- Supported Themistocles in the evacuation of Athens, fought bravely at Salamis

478-477BCE- Cimon becoming more popular- admired for his leadership and discipline of his men

477BCE- Cimon led an expeditionary group to capture Bizentium and Casptos

Democratic Developments in Athens Sheet- Timeline

Athens became leading maritime state in Greece as a result of radical democracy of mid-5th century

Just before 500BC, foundations of 5th century Athenian democracy laid by the reforms of the statesman, Cleisthenes

Essential feature of 5th century Athenian democracy is the gradual transfer of political power from the old aristocratic families, represented by the top property classes of the state, to the mass of the population, including the lowest class, the thetes

Democratic reformso 487BC- Archons chosen by loto 487BC- Introduction of use of ostracismo 462-461BC- Ephialtes reforms the Areopagus, Powers given to Ekklesia, Boule, jury

courtso 458-457BC- Archonship opened to the third property class, the zeugitaeo 457BC- Pericles introduces payment for jurors (payment for magistrates adopted

later)o 451BC- Citizenship law of Pericles

487BC- The archonship and selection by lot

In 501BC, strategos had taken over some of the archon’s functions Battle of Marathon demonstrated the ambiguity surrounding the relationship between the

archon and the strategos, Callimachus, the polemarch (chief archon) was technically in charge but the strategos Miltiades had been elected by popular vote and possessed military experience

This situation showed that the chief archon was clearly less important and from this time on, the office declined in prestige

Before 487BC, archons were directly elected Aristotle- when… “they selected ,for the first time since the tyranny, the nine archons by lot

through the tribes, from among 500 candidates previously elected by the demesmen. Previously, the archons had all been elected by vote.” (Constitution of Athens)

Archons now chosen by lot by 2 top property classes- pentakosiomedimni and hippeis Consequences include

o Loss of statuso Office of strategos became important military and political position, for the generals

gained the command of the fleet and the armyo Decreasing the importance of the archons also devalued a role of the aristocratic

council of the Areopagus.

As this council was made up of ex-archons ‘it would not take long for the change to selection by lot to alter the makeup of the Areopagus, and with it the status and respect it had previously enjoyed’ –Thorley, Athenian Democracy

By 457BC, archonship opened up to 3rd property class (zeugitae) and sometime after that to the thetes

o Therefore increased opportunity for ordinary Athenians to participate and fewer distinguished men being chosen

Aristocratic idea that political office required special expertise was giving way to the radical ideal that there should be equal involvement of all, except in military affairs.

o Policy was being made by large popular bodies and the magistrates were carrying out the will of the people. Direct election, however, was still used for those officilas whose roles did require expertise, such as the generals, architects nad supervisors of public works

462-461BC: Reform of the Areopagus by Ephialtes

458-457BC: Archonship opened to the zeugitae and to the thetes

457BC: Introduction of payment for jurors

451BC: Citizenship law of Pericles

Explain the development of Athenian democracy during this period of 500-440BCE

Methods of Athens’ Control: Nature of Athenian Imperialism

Navyo Can use League navy to intimidate and siege alliedo Thasos and Naxoso Promoted prositivelyo Safer trade routes

Cleurgieso V. effective way of controlling allies

Garrisonso Served as political purpose- job to protect Athenian officials who were setting up

democratic governments/ governments favourable to Athens Democratic Governments

o At start of league, types of governments between allies variedo By 446, the main form of government was democratic

Athenian Officialso According to Aristotle, at the height of the Athenian empire, there were 700

overseas officialso Episkopoi

Visiting mediators sent from Athens to investigate, make reports about what’s happening in other allied states.

o Phrourarchoi Garrison commanders Expected to keep an eye on local politics

o KEEP AN EYE ON LOCAL POLITICS Oaths of Loyalty

o Original oath and permanency and Aristideso Chalcis Decree, etc.o More than just Athens, also governments being put in stateso