The Battle of Thermopylae 塞莫皮莱战役.pptVIP

The Battle of Thermopylae The Aftermath of Marathon Spartans showed up two days after the battle was over. Three reasons why the Spartans did not help earlier: (There was more to it than a religious festival) Sparta disliked Athens Sparta afraid of a helot revolt. Sparta afraid the Persians would make them look weak. After the Persians left Marathon, they rushed to Athens to catch them off guard, but Miltiades got the troops back. When Darius saw that Miltiades made it back in time, the Persians retreated back to Asia Minor. Ten years peace followed. 192 Athenians dead buried in ceremonial funeral mound still there today! Background to Thermopylae The Greek leader Miltiades was wounded at Marathon so the Greeks were in need. The leaders following Miltiades were all weak so they were ostracized. Themistocles was the new leader. He was very strong and could act quickly to respond to difficult situations. Silver mines were found outside Athens which helped strengthen the military. Themistocles What to do with the cash? Themistocles put a lot of money from the silver into building up the army to 100,000-150,000 men and building 200 warships. (Triremes) The Athenians were not going to attack, they were on the defensive waiting for Persia to attack. Persian Wars http://www.rom.gr/ROM7/images/afisa01.jpg Persia Thirst for Revenge Persia also had a new leader. Darius was out and Xerxes was in. (Son of Darius Grandson of Cyrus) 3 Theories around Darius He was a weak leader (losing to Athens – Kicked out) Too old to keep up. Died Son, “Xerxes,” grows up vowing to revenge his father’s loss. Forces slave to follow him, constantly whispering “Remember the Athenians” for next 10 years! Xerxes assumes power and amasses huge army over 200,000+ strong and 1000 ships! Cooperation Among Greece Athenians hear about Xerxes’ thirst for revenge they look for help. Get many other Greek Polis to agree to help. 1st time wide scale co-operation between the Greeks… Sparta and Athe