The Persian Wars

The First Persian Invasion of Greece

The Athenians were right to worry. Darius began methodically assembling an enormous army, with which he intended to crush the Greeks forever. He let it be known this was his intent. He also let it be known that anyone who cooperated with Persia would be spared and, indeed, would prosper. Those who opposed would be destroyed. No one doubted that the great King meant what he said quite literally.

Mardonius, Darius' brother-in-law, invaded Thrace in 492. This expedition bogged down, however. Athens could see the war coming its way and tried to gain allies, but no one dared openly to oppose Persia. Sparta was supportive, but refused to take open action.

Darius finally invaded in person in 490, sailing from the Phoenician coast with a huge armada and landing on the island of Euboea. One of the Greek strong points, Eretria, fell after a six day siege. The city was sacked and the entire population taken captive. This was a clear indication to the Athenians that theirs would be the same fate.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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