Persian Wars
Persian Empire
The second battle was Thermopylae, Persians vs Sparta, and Persians won. After winning the battle the Persians swept into Athens attacking and burning the city.
The third battle was, Salamis, Persians vs Greece, Greeks won. The Persians had so many ships that they couldn't steer well in the narrow strait. As a result, the smaller Athenian boats easily sank many Persian ships. Those ships that were not destroyed soon returned home.
The final battle was, Plataea, Persians vs Greece, Greeks won. This battle ended the Persian Wars. For the Persians this defeat was humiliating, but it was not a major blow. For the Greeks, the defeat of the Persians was a Triumph. They saved their homeland.
Persian Wars
Cyrus the great
In 550 BC, Cyrus II lead a Persian revolt against the Medes. His revolt was successful. Cyrus won independence for Persia and conquered the Medes. His victory marked the beginning of the Persian Empire. When he died around 529 BC, Cyrus ruled the largest empire the world had ever seen.