Western Civ Blog 27

Today in class we watched episode two of Crucible of Civilization. The revolution began in 490 BC in Greece, between Athens and Persians , it changed the course of civilization. The people of Athens have established democracy for the first time ever in history. Themistocles and Pericles would change the course of civilization. The Battle of Marathon: Pheidippides was a regular citizen in Athens and he was the one who started the marathon, he was running because his home town was getting taken over by the Persian Empire . He ran from Marathon to Athens to tell the Athenians the Persians were going to attack, he ran 140 miles in just two days, the help was refused. The men had to fight with spears against the Persians . Persians were outnumbering them 2 to 1. Themistocles thought the Persians would still be a danger. Early 5th century BC the Persians were very strong. Athens began gaining power. Persians had to destroy Athens to win. Greeks are the people who emphasize free. Persians follow obedience. Themistocles was the leader of Athens- cocky and not many followers . Known as the savior of the city. Believed Persia would attack again. Athenians were defeated by land but very strong over seas (navy), trienes were Athenian boats used as weapons. In 483 BC the Athenians found a large amount of riches and wanted to divide it among themselves, but Themistocles wanted to spend it on ships. Xerxes conscripted troops from every corner of his empire. They had 2 million men with a great force ready to march. Xerxes was confident of victory, but when the Greeks realized they were about to be invaded they turned to the gods. They sent out a messenger to find their fate