Empire
The Battle of Marathon and the Rise of Greece
Description
The podcast episode features Lloyd Well and Jones discussing the Ionian revolt of 499 and its impact on Greek-Persian relations. The rebellion spread quickly and involved destroying symbols of Persianism rather than direct skirmishes. Aristagoras leads an expedition with permission from the Persians, but a power struggle arises. Darius responds by sending mercenary forces and readying his fleet to attack Greek cities. The battle of Marathon plays a significant role in Herodotus' book and is seen as a climax. The Greeks' victory at Marathon established their reputation as fine fighters and became a defining moment in Athenian identity. Xerxes faced rebellions in Babylon and Egypt but successfully quelled them, solidifying his power. Xerxes, the King of Persia, is portrayed as a supervillain in Greek narratives.
Insights
The Ionian revolt was a significant event in Greek history
The rebellion spread quickly and involved destroying symbols of Persianism rather than direct skirmishes. The Greeks' victory at Marathon established their reputation as fine fighters and became a defining moment in Athenian identity.
Xerxes is depicted as a supervillain in Greek narratives
Xerxes, the King of Persia, is portrayed as a sicko covered in gold, which is not entirely accurate. The Greeks depict Xerxes as a supervillain.
Chapters
- The Ionian Revolt
- Aristagoras and the Greek States
- Darius's Response and the Battle of Marathon
- The Legacy of Marathon
- Xerxes and Succession in Persia
- Depicting Xerxes and the Invasion of Greece
The Ionian Revolt
00:01 - 07:15
- The Ionian revolt of 499 was a rebellion against Persian rule in the Greek city-states of Ionia.
- Persians allowed Greeks in Ionia to trade and gave them permission, but mismanagement and increased taxation led to rebellion.
- The rebellion spread quickly and involved destroying symbols of Persianism rather than direct skirmishes.
Aristagoras and the Greek States
06:59 - 13:47
- Aristagoras leads an expedition with permission from the Persians, but a power struggle arises when one of Darius's cousins gets involved.
- Rebellions occur in Sardis, trashing symbols of Persianism and looting the city streets.
- The Cypriots join in the revolt against Persia, despite their historical alignment with the Phoenicians who are under Persian rule.
Darius's Response and the Battle of Marathon
13:18 - 20:31
- Darius responds by sending mercenary forces by land and readying his fleet to attack Greek cities.
- The battle of Marathon plays a significant role in Herodotus' book and is seen as a climax.
The Legacy of Marathon
20:12 - 27:04
- The Greeks' victory at Marathon established their reputation as fine fighters and became a defining moment in Athenian identity.
- The Battle of Marathon was seen as a significant victory for the Athenians, but the Persians did not view it as a major event.
Xerxes and Succession in Persia
26:40 - 33:14
- Xerxes faced rebellions in Babylon and Egypt but successfully quelled them, solidifying his power.
- Succession in ancient Iran was determined through battles rather than primogeniture.
Depicting Xerxes and the Invasion of Greece
32:55 - 39:52
- Xerxes, the King of Persia, is portrayed as a supervillain in Greek narratives.
- The Greeks depict Xerxes as a sicko covered in gold, which is not entirely accurate.