In 500 B.C.E. several of the Ionion Greeks had revolted against the persian empire. They then asked for help from the Greeks on the mainland. Athens was one of the city states that helped and later fought against the Persian Navy and won
WE (PERSIANS) ARE MAD AND NOW WANT TO START A WAR AGAINST YOU
Causes of the war
WE (ATHENIANS) HELPED THE IONIANS REBEL AGAINST PERSIA
The Spartans refused to help the Athens but still managed to destroy the Persian invading force. The remaining Persian force wanted to make their way towards the Athens in hope they would surrender, but Pheidippes Ran 26 miles from Marathon to Athens the approach of the Persians
Battle of Marathon
REJOICE! WE CONQUER
The first major portion of the Second Persian War was the Battle of Thermopylae. The Athens and Sparta united to defend themselves against the Persians but the Spartan King, Leonidas, had held a small army to hold the pass of Thermopylae. After trying to prevent them from passing the Persians slaughtered Leonidas and his army of Warriors.