Xerxes' Invasion of Greece Flashcards
(11 cards)
Who was Xerxes I?
King of Persia from 486-465 BC
Xerxes I succeeded his father, Darius I, who initiated the invasion of Greece.
What motivation did the Persians have for their conquest of Greece?
Need for more farmland and control of a vast empire
The Persians had already conquered border lands.
How many city-states was Classical Greece split into?
About 1500 city-states
Greece was not united as one country during this period.
What league was formed by the Greeks as a response to the Persian threat?
The Hellenic League
This league was formed to counter the Persian invasion.
What was the estimated ratio of Persians to Greeks at the Battle of Thermopylae?
Estimated 300,000 Persians to 7,000 Greeks
Official figures indicated 2.6 million Persians against 4.2 thousand Greeks.
Which Greek city-states fought in the Battle of Thermopylae?
Sparta, Thespia, Thebes, and Corinth
These city-states collaborated in the defense against the Persian invasion.
What significant naval battle occurred alongside the Battle of Thermopylae?
The battle at Cape Artemisium
Involved 271 Greek ships against 1,207 Persian ships.
Where did the Greeks decide to confront the Persians?
At the narrow pass at Thermopylae in central Greece
This strategic location was chosen for its defensive advantages.
What was the strategic purpose of the Greek fleet at Cape Artemisium?
To prevent the Persian fleet from sending troops behind Greek lines
This was crucial for maintaining Greek defensive positions.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Thermopylae?
A victory in defeat for the Persians
The battle boosted Greek morale despite the loss.
What impact did the Battle of Thermopylae have on Persian morale?
It dealt a major blow to Persian morale
The battle may have also exhausted Persian troops before the next invasion.
