The Persian Wars

World History Honors Unit 5: Early Civilization in the Middle East The Greco-Persian Wars

Briefly answer the following questions using internet research. Be sure that the websites you use are valid and legitimate from a historical perspective. Cite your source (the site url) at the end of each answer.

1. Why did Darius invade Greece in the First Greco-Persian War?

2. What was the major battle of the First Greco-Persian War? Who won? Why?

3. Describe the famous legend associated with the major battle of the First Greco-Persian War.

4. Why did Xerxes invade Greece in the Second Greco-Persian War? What was his strategy?

5. Describe the events of the battle at Thermopylae.

6. Based on the intended strategies and the impact of the battle itself, who won at Thermopylae? Explain.

7. Why did Xerxes decide to engage the Greeks at Salamis? What was the outcome of the battle of Salamis? What was Xerxes’ response?

8. Why were the Greeks able to defeat the Persians at Plataea? Explain.

Extra Credit: Name 3 things in the film 300 that are historically inaccurate. (you do not have to have seen the movie to answer this)