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In this documentary episode we explore the Greco-Persian wars to understand why the Persians failed to conquer Greece. The video begins with a historical overview of the Achaemenid Persian Empire and then an analysis of the Ionian Revolt which led to war. We then look at what the Persian army of Darius and Xerxes wished to achieve and see to what extent these objectives were met. This includes looking at the Battle of Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, Mykale, and more which featured Greek armies of Athens, Sparta and more. You can learn more about the battle of Marathon in this video by the Armchair Historian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cubGxusJhw
We conclude with a discussion of why the Persians ultimately failed. This analysis corrects traditional narratives which portray the factors incorrectly.
Bibliography:
'Neither the Less Valorous Nor the Weaker': Persian Military Might and the Battle of Plataia by Roel Konijnendijk
H. van Wees, 'Herodotus and the past', in E. Bakker/I. de Jong/H. van Wees (eds), Brill's Companion to Herodotus (2002), 321-349
Thuc. 1.69.5, 6.33.5.
G. Cawkwell, The Greek Wars: The Failure of Persia (2005)
#History
#Greece
#Persia