The Persian Warswere a series of conflicts between the... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
18
0
Evie (Yr 12)
29/09/2025
History
Challenge of the Persian Empire
1 / 10
Darius' Policy Towards the Greeks and the Ionian Revolt
This page covers Darius' policy towards the Greeks and the events of the Ionian Revolt against Persian rule.
By 546 BCE, the Persians had gained control over Asia Minor and most eastern Aegean islands. They installed local aristocrats called "tyrants" to rule cities, who answered to governors known as "satraps."
In 499 BCE, a major naval expedition was launched against the wealthy Greek island of Naxos. Despite having 200 ships provided by Darius, the attack failed after a 4-month siege.
The Ionian Revolt began when Aristagoras, a local leader, launched a full-scale rebellion against Persian rule. He expelled Persian-backed tyrants and sought aid from mainland Greek city-states.
Vocabulary: Satraps - Persian governors who oversaw provinces of the empire
Athens and Eretria agreed to support the revolt, sending 25 warships in total. In 498 BCE, they joined Ionian forces to attack Sardis, a major Persian administrative center. Though they burned much of the city, Persian cavalry counterattacked as they retreated.
Example: The attack on Sardis demonstrates how the Ionian Revolt expanded beyond just local resistance to involve mainland Greek powers directly challenging Persian authority.
Fate of Miletus and Aftermath of the Ionian Revolt
This page details the conclusion of the Ionian Revolt and its consequences.
Without strong leadership after Aristagoras was killed, the rebel forces struggled to coordinate. The Persians attempted to reassert control by reinstalling tyrants, but this proved unsuccessful.
The Ionians made a last stand at the island of Lade, gathering their naval forces. However, due to indecision over command and being outnumbered, many ships deserted. This allowed the Persians to capture Miletus, the leading city of the revolt.
Highlight: The fall of Miletus marked the effective end of the Ionian Revolt against Persian rule.
The Persians dealt harshly with Miletus:
- Sanctuaries were burned
- Men were killed
- Boys were castrated
- Women and children were sold into slavery
This brutal treatment caused the remaining Ionian cities to submit to Persian authority.
In 491 BCE, Darius sent envoys demanding "earth and water" as symbols of submission from Greek states. While many Thracian and Macedonian states complied, Sparta and Athens famously refused, killing the Persian messengers.
Quote: Herodotus reports that in Athens, the Persian envoys "were thrown into pits like criminals" while in Sparta "they were pushed into a well."
Battle of Marathon
This page focuses on the pivotal Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, a key engagement in the Greco-Persian Wars.
As Darius prepared his expedition against Athens and Eretria, debate arose among Athenian commanders about whether to confront the Persians. Miltiades gave a famous speech to convince the polemarch Callimachus to fight at Marathon:
Quote: "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."
Callimachus was persuaded, casting the deciding vote to engage the Persian forces.
Key details of the battle:
- The armies faced each other about 8 stadia (1.5 km) apart
- Miltiades arranged the Greek line with a depth of 4 men in the center instead of the usual 8, strengthening the wings
Highlight: The Battle of Marathon was a crucial Greek victory that halted the first Persian invasion of Greece and boosted Athenian confidence and prestige.
This innovative tactical deployment allowed the Greeks to envelop the numerically superior Persian force, leading to a decisive victory that repelled the invasion and established Athens as a major power in the Greek world.
Definition: Polemarch - In ancient Athens, the polemarch was originally the commander-in-chief of the army, later becoming a senior magistrate with both military and civilian duties.
Challenge of the Persian Empire
This page introduces the topic of the Persian Empire's expansion and conflicts with Greek city-states in the late 6th and early 5th centuries BCE.
Highlight: The Persian Empire under Darius I posed a significant challenge to Greek independence and autonomy during this period.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Darius the Great and the Persian Empire: Kids' Summary
The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts between the Achaemenid Empire of Persia and Greek city-states that started in 499 BCE and lasted until 449 BCE. This period saw significant events that shaped the ancient world:
- The Ionian Revolt... Show more
Darius' Policy Towards the Greeks and the Ionian Revolt
This page covers Darius' policy towards the Greeks and the events of the Ionian Revolt against Persian rule.
By 546 BCE, the Persians had gained control over Asia Minor and most eastern Aegean islands. They installed local aristocrats called "tyrants" to rule cities, who answered to governors known as "satraps."
In 499 BCE, a major naval expedition was launched against the wealthy Greek island of Naxos. Despite having 200 ships provided by Darius, the attack failed after a 4-month siege.
The Ionian Revolt began when Aristagoras, a local leader, launched a full-scale rebellion against Persian rule. He expelled Persian-backed tyrants and sought aid from mainland Greek city-states.
Vocabulary: Satraps - Persian governors who oversaw provinces of the empire
Athens and Eretria agreed to support the revolt, sending 25 warships in total. In 498 BCE, they joined Ionian forces to attack Sardis, a major Persian administrative center. Though they burned much of the city, Persian cavalry counterattacked as they retreated.
Example: The attack on Sardis demonstrates how the Ionian Revolt expanded beyond just local resistance to involve mainland Greek powers directly challenging Persian authority.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Fate of Miletus and Aftermath of the Ionian Revolt
This page details the conclusion of the Ionian Revolt and its consequences.
Without strong leadership after Aristagoras was killed, the rebel forces struggled to coordinate. The Persians attempted to reassert control by reinstalling tyrants, but this proved unsuccessful.
The Ionians made a last stand at the island of Lade, gathering their naval forces. However, due to indecision over command and being outnumbered, many ships deserted. This allowed the Persians to capture Miletus, the leading city of the revolt.
Highlight: The fall of Miletus marked the effective end of the Ionian Revolt against Persian rule.
The Persians dealt harshly with Miletus:
- Sanctuaries were burned
- Men were killed
- Boys were castrated
- Women and children were sold into slavery
This brutal treatment caused the remaining Ionian cities to submit to Persian authority.
In 491 BCE, Darius sent envoys demanding "earth and water" as symbols of submission from Greek states. While many Thracian and Macedonian states complied, Sparta and Athens famously refused, killing the Persian messengers.
Quote: Herodotus reports that in Athens, the Persian envoys "were thrown into pits like criminals" while in Sparta "they were pushed into a well."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Battle of Marathon
This page focuses on the pivotal Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, a key engagement in the Greco-Persian Wars.
As Darius prepared his expedition against Athens and Eretria, debate arose among Athenian commanders about whether to confront the Persians. Miltiades gave a famous speech to convince the polemarch Callimachus to fight at Marathon:
Quote: "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."
Callimachus was persuaded, casting the deciding vote to engage the Persian forces.
Key details of the battle:
- The armies faced each other about 8 stadia (1.5 km) apart
- Miltiades arranged the Greek line with a depth of 4 men in the center instead of the usual 8, strengthening the wings
Highlight: The Battle of Marathon was a crucial Greek victory that halted the first Persian invasion of Greece and boosted Athenian confidence and prestige.
This innovative tactical deployment allowed the Greeks to envelop the numerically superior Persian force, leading to a decisive victory that repelled the invasion and established Athens as a major power in the Greek world.
Definition: Polemarch - In ancient Athens, the polemarch was originally the commander-in-chief of the army, later becoming a senior magistrate with both military and civilian duties.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Challenge of the Persian Empire
This page introduces the topic of the Persian Empire's expansion and conflicts with Greek city-states in the late 6th and early 5th centuries BCE.
Highlight: The Persian Empire under Darius I posed a significant challenge to Greek independence and autonomy during this period.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
18
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user