Persian wars

Persian wars (500–449 B.C.), wars between Greek states and the Persian Empire. Athenian support of the revolt of Greek states within the empire precipitated three Persian offensives in Greece. The 2nd Persian expeditionary force was forced back by the Athenians at the Battle of Marathon (490). The 3rd expedition is famous for the resistance at Thermopylae, at which 300 Spartans fought to the death, holding off the overwhelming Persian force. By 449 B.C. Greek strength had secured Europe from further Persian invasions.