Map of the Persian Wars

Series of wars fought between Persia and Greece. The conflict began when Persia occupied some Greek colonies in Asia Minor. Greece responded by defending the colonies; and Persia, commanded by Emperor Xerxes himself, responded by attacking Greece. The battles were fought on land and at sea. The battles of Marathon and Thermopylae are famous for the Greeks' heroism against overwhelming odds. The naval battle of Salamis almost wiped out the Persian fleet. The battle of Plataea was the final defeat. The Greek victories kept in check the growing Persian Empire. After the wars, Persia continued to meddle in Greek affairs. The answer came in the form of a reverse invasion, planned by Philip of Macedonia and carried out by his son, Alexander. [Greece] [Maps and Geography]