The Greek and Persian Wars, also known as the Greco-Persian Wars, were a series of conflicts that took place between the Achaemenid Empire of Persia and various Greek city-states, primarily Athens and Sparta, during the 5th century BC. This timeline outlines the key events that unfolded during this pivotal period in history.

The timeline of the Greek and Persian Wars can be traced back to the early 5th century BC, with the first Persian invasion of Greece occurring in 490 BC. This invasion, known as the Battle of Marathon, was a significant event that marked the beginning of the Greco-Persian Wars. The Greek city-states, led by Athens and Sparta, successfully repelled the Persian forces, and this victory became a symbol of Greek resilience and unity.

In 480 BC, the Persians launched a second invasion of Greece, led by King Xerxes I. This invasion was met with fierce resistance from the Greek city-states, who formed an alliance known as the Hellenic League. The most famous battle of this campaign was the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small force of Greek soldiers, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, held off the Persian army for several days before being overwhelmed.

The Greek navy, led by the Athenian general Themistocles, played a crucial role in the subsequent Battle of Salamis in 480 BC. This naval battle was a decisive victory for the Greeks, who managed to defeat the Persian fleet and turn the tide of the war in their favor.

In 479 BC, the Greek city-states achieved a decisive victory over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea. This battle marked the end of the Persian threat to Greece and the beginning of the Golden Age of Athens.

The Greek and Persian Wars continued with sporadic conflicts and revolts against Persian rule in the Greek cities of Asia Minor. One of the most notable revolts was the Ionian Revolt, which began in 499 BC and lasted until 449 BC. This revolt was led by the Greek city-states of Ionia and was supported by Athens, which provided military aid and financial assistance.

The Greco-Persian Wars finally came to an end with the Peace of Callias in 449 BC. This peace treaty was signed between Athens and Persia, effectively ending the hostilities between the two powers. The treaty allowed the Greek city-states to maintain their independence and自治, but it also imposed a tribute on Athens, which was used to finance the city-state’s military and political ambitions.

The Greek and Persian Wars had a profound impact on the history of the ancient world. They not only resulted in the defeat of the Persian Empire but also laid the foundation for the rise of Greek democracy and culture. The wars are remembered as a testament to the bravery and determination of the Greek city-states, as well as the limitations of the Persian Empire in the face of determined resistance.