War

In the 5th century BCE, Greece faced its greatest threat — the mighty Persian Empire. When Persia invaded, the Greek city-states united to defend their freedom. One of the most famous battles was at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas of Sparta and 300 Spartan soldiers fought bravely against an army of tens of thousands of Persians.

The Spartans held their ground for three days in a narrow mountain pass, fighting until their last breath. Their bravery inspired all of Greece to stand together. Later, in battles like Marathon and Salamis, the Greeks defeated the Persians through clever tactics and courage, proving that determination could beat even the largest army.

After the Persian Wars, Athens grew rich and powerful through trade and its navy. Sparta became jealous and suspicious. The two sides went to war in a long and bitter fight called the Peloponnesian Wars, which lasted nearly 30 years.

Athens built a giant wall that stretched all the way to the sea, protecting its people and keeping supplies coming during the siege. But the city was struck by plague, which killed thousands, including its leader Pericles. Eventually, Sparta’s strong army and allies won, but Greece was left weak and divided — and open to new conquerors.In the 5th century BCE, Greece faced its greatest threat — the mighty Persian Empire. When Persia invaded, the Greek city-states united to defend their freedom. One of the most famous battles was at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas of Sparta and 300 Spartan soldiers fought bravely against an army of tens of thousands of Persians.

The Spartans held their ground for three days in a narrow mountain pass, fighting until their last breath. Their bravery inspired all of Greece to stand together. Later, in battles like Marathon and Salamis, the Greeks defeated the Persians through clever tactics and courage, proving that determination could beat even the largest army.