The Persian Wars: Key Battles and Strategies

King Darius of Persia failed to conquer Greece, and his son Circes sought revenge. Circes planned a massive invasion, crossing into Greece via a floating bridge. The Greeks, led by Leonidas, held the Persians at Thermopylae, allowing time for naval preparations. Themistocles led a successful naval battle at Salamis, forcing the Persians to retreat. These events marked significant Greek victories against Persia.

Who became the king of Persia after King Darius?

• Alexander

• Circes

• Themistocles

• Leonidas

What was Circes' plan to cross into Greece?

• Build a tunnel

• Fly over with balloons

• Use a floating bridge

• Swim across

Why did the Greeks choose Thermopylae to confront the Persians?

• It was a wide open field

• It was a high mountain

• It was a narrow pass

• It was near the sea

What was the main objective of Leonidas and his Spartans at Thermopylae?

• To negotiate peace

• To hold the Persians long enough for the Greek navy to prepare

• To find a new settlement

• To conquer Persia

What was the key strategy used by Themistocles in the Battle of Salamis?

• Direct confrontation on land

• Building a wall

• Surprise attack from the mountains

• Luring the Persian navy into narrow waters

How did the Greek ships gain an advantage over the Persian fleet at Salamis?

• They used fire arrows

• They had more soldiers

• They were faster and more maneuverable

• They were larger and stronger

What was the outcome of the Battle of Salamis?

• Stalemate

• Persian victory

• No clear winner

• Greek victory

What did the Persians find when they reached Athens after Thermopylae?

• A naval blockade

• A heavily fortified city

• A deserted city

• A welcoming party

What was the significance of the Greek victories at Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis?

• They led to the fall of Athens

• They resulted in a peace treaty

• They ended the Persian threat to Greece

• They marked the beginning of the Persian Empire

What was the long-term impact of the Greek victories over Persia?

• The unification of Persia and Greece

• The rise of the Roman Empire

• The spread of Greek culture and influence

• The decline of Greek city-states