The Challenge of the Persian Empire 492-479 Flashcards
Who was Artaphernes?
a persian satrap of Lydia
When was the Ionian revolt?
499-494 BC
What reforms did Artaphernes put in place in Ionia, 492-491 BC?
- The Standardisation of tributes,
- Resolution of disputes and introduction of arbitrations.
What did reform (1) do?
Artaphernes conducted a thorough survey of Ionia to assess and standardise the tributes (taxes) that each city was supposed to pay to the Persian Empire. This action aimed to bring fairness and clarity to the system of taxation, as it would prevent arbitrary and unequal demands by ensuring each city paid a fixed, consistent amount according to its capacity.
What did reform (2) do?
Artaphernes took measures to resolve the frequent disputes among the Ionian cities. He introduced a system of arbitration to settle conflicts peacefully. This approach sought to reduce inter-city strife and promote stability and harmony within Ionia, which was beneficial for both the cities and the Persian administration.
What do these reforms show about both Artaphernes and the Persian empire?
A pragmatic approach to governance, with the aim of working with the local peoples in order to make the empire run smoothly. Showed Artaphernes’ aim as attempting to establish a more efficient and stable administration over the ionian region.
In 491, King Darius sends out heralds to all the Greek city states, what does he demand?
Earth and water for the king; symbolic tokens offered to the Persians through submission to their rule.
What else did King Darius demand?
That Greek city states under Persian rule contribute to a Persian invasion force.
What term was used by non-capitulating states to refer to those who submit? And how were the capitulating states viewed?
Medise; describing the act of submitting to the Persians. These city states were looked down upon by those who refused to submit.
How did Athens and Sparta supposedly respond to this demand?
Athens threw the heralds in the pit like criminals, whereas Sparta pushed them into a well (Herodotus, Histories 7.133)
Why were Athens so resolute against the Persians?
In 510, the city had just expelled its tyrant Hippias and established itself a democratic rule. Hipias, in Darius’ court, was urging an invasion of his homeland.
Where can an insight to Persian policy be found? What is this? and what is the insight?
The insight can be found at Naqs-e Rustam, the burial site of four Persian kings, including Darius and Xerxes. Upon which no mention of a Greek conquest could be found, yet Greece is mentioned of one of the subjects of the empire.
In what year was the Battle of Marathon?
490 BC
Who aided the Athenians on the Greek side?
The Plataeans, from Plataea a city in Boeotia to the north of Attica.
Who’s advice was it that the Persians invade Attica at Marathon?
Hippias’
After their defeat at Marathon what did the Persians do?
sailed their fleet to the tip of Attica to attack Athens directly from the west, they gave up upon seeing that the Athenians had already returned from Marathon.
What did the Persians hope would happen during their campaign?
They hoped medising Greeks would help them in their campaign.
What reason does Miltiades give for wanting to engage the Persians in battle?
In the speech he gave to the other generals, Herodotus claims, Miltiades argues they should fight for political reasons not military; ‘If we refuse to fight, I have little doubt that the result will be bitter dissension; our purpose will be shaken and we shall submit to Persia.’ (Histories, 6.109)
What was the ‘shield signal’ post the battle of Marathon and what fears did this confirm?
The shield signal as detailed by Herodotus (Histories, 6.121-124) was a mysterious signal raised on the summit of Mount Pentelicus, visible to the Persian fleet anchored at sea. This signal was interpreted as a prearrangaged communication, possibly from within Athens, to inform the Persian that the Athenians hadn’t yet returned and that the city was ripe for an attack. This confirmed fears of Greek treachery.
When did the Spartans arrive at Marathon? and why did they arrive when they did?
The Spartans arrived after the battle (Histories, 6.120), were held back by the timing of the Karneia (a religious event when no military action could be taken).
What did the Spartans get from their arrival at Marathon?
To inspect Persian arms and armour; may have provided important intelligence for future battles.
When was Darius’ original revenge campaign for Marathon planned?
486 BC
Why was this original campaign delayed?
A rebellion in Egypt and then the death of Darius.
Who, in Herodotus’ account, urges Xerxes to invade Greece?
Mardonius, a persian commander, who had led campaigns in the Aegean sea in 492 BC
What Greek families did Herodotus claim supported Mardonius, and his plan for invasion?
The Pisistratids in Athens and the Aleuads in the regions of Thessaly.
How is Xerxes portrayed in Greek sources?
As arrogant, impetuous, and immature (obvious bias).
How did Persian royal inscriptions describe Xerxes?
They portrayed him in the same light as his father and as the continuer of his legacy, one such royal inscription was discovered on the inner walls of the Gate of All Lands on the terrace of the royal palace at Persepolis.
