In 490 and again in 480—479 BC the Persians attacked the city-states of mainland Greece as punishment for their part in the Ionian Revolt. These wars, one of the key events in Greek history, mark the transition from the Archaic to the Classical period. The fifth century BC historian Herodotus wrote a gripping account of these battles and their background, and we are most fortunate that this text has survived. The three major battles ended in Greek victories: Marathon, on the north coast of Attica (490 BC); the naval battle off the island of Salamis, just offshore from Athens (480 BC); and the land battle at Plataea, inland, by the north-west frontier of Attica (479 BC). The unexpected victories against the vast Persian Empire exhilarated the Greeks, giving them new confidence. At the same time, the wars had brought tragedy. Ionia was crushed, and Athens itself was sacked. When the Persian army approached the city in 480 BC, the Athenians abandoned their capital, seeking refuge by their ships. Although faith in their ships proved justified at the Battle of Salamis, the Athenians could not prevent the Persians from occupying Athens and destroying it. This destruction has proved a boon to archaeologists, however. Upon their return, the Athenians dug large pits on the Acropolis, shoveled in the ruined votive and architectural sculpture and covered them, thereby purifying their great sanctuary. Thus was preserved the magnificent series of Archaic sculpture now on display in the Acropolis Museum. The destruction also gave rise to the great urban renewal projects of the mid - to late fifth century BC, which we shall examine in Chapter 16.
World History
