Greco-Persian Wars

The Greco-Persian Wars (499 BC—449 BC) was a conflict between the Greeks and the enormous Persian Empire. The Persian King Cyrus II (Cyrus the Great) had conquered the Greek settlements of Ionia and installed satraps (local tyrants) to govern them. Dissatisfied with the satraps, the Ionians revolted. Athens assisted the Ionian colonies, which caused then-king Darius I (Darius the Great) to attack and destroy Athens. After several fierce battles and even the destruction of Athens, the Persians were ultimately unsuccessful.