Classical Studies 2902B

Historical Background

The Rise of Persia: in 605 BC the last elements of the Assyrian empire collapsed. Period of “The Four Kingdoms”—Neo-Babylonia, Media, Lydia and Saite Egypt. The most important state was Media (Persians were related, but subordinate, people.) A Persian leader married the daughter of Median king and from this marriage was born Cyrus, reigned 559-530. He overthrew his grandfather in 550, conquered Lydia in 547, and captured Babylon in 539. (End of “native” dynasties in Near East.) He extended his power to the Aegean Sea and to borders of India. Died in battle in 530. His successor, Cambyses, conquered Egypt in 520s. After Cambyses’ death, confusion; then Darius, a sort of cousin, became ruler of Persian Empire and its great organizer. He turned his attention to Europe, invading in 512 and making Macedonia tributary to the Persian Empire.

The 5^th century BC in Greece: the main events at the beginning are the Persian invasions of 490 (as result of the Ionian Revolt of 499-494) and 480-479: by Darius in 490 (sea-borne) > Marathon; 480-479, led by Xerxes, overland: v. serious > Salamis (480) and Plataea and Mycale (479). Importance of the Spartan regent Pausanias.

Liberation of Ionia from Persian control. In winter of 478-477 new (naval) alliance “Athenians and their allies”, a.k.a. the League of Delos: purpose; duration; organization; Athens was Hegemon (leader); common synod; phoros (tribute). Development of League into Athenian empire (why?)

“Periclean Age” in Athens: full-blown democracy (what this meant): was it parasitical on the Empire? Division of Greece into two camps: Athens and Sparta, with their respective allies. Various skirmishes and then the Great Peloponnesian War (431-404): can be seen as fight between an elephant and a whale; hence its duration. Eventually both Athens and Sparta tried to get help from Persia: Persia formed alliance with Sparta and provided funds for a Spartan fleet. Co-operation between Persian Prince Cyrus and Spartan commander Lysander. Ath. defeat in 404: end of Athenian Empire.

4^th century BC: general comments on main characteristics of period from 404 –c.360 BC:

Political changes: federal states; new ideas about oligarchy and democracy: 4^th century attitudes. Economic changes”: 4^th century a period of “venture capitalism”. Changes in warfare: mercenary soldiers; e.g. the famous Athenian Xenophon (c. 428-c.354).

Spartan supremacy (404-371): serious manpower problem; stupid “crusade” in Asia Minor; gave Persian King vast amounts of power in Greece: so, “King’s Peace” in 387. Reaction against Sparta > Leuctra (371).

Theban Supremacy (371-c. 360): background review of “hoplite warfare” in Greece; new military techniques devised by Theban commanders Pelopidas and Epaminondas. Battle of Mantinea (362). General stalemate of exhaustion by 360.