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Which Greek city-states fought against the Persian Empire during the Greco-Persian Wars?
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Greco-Persian Wars
The Battle of Salamis (480 bce), in which Greece gained an uncontested victory over the Persian fleet.
During the Greco-Persian Wars (492–449 BCE), a coalition of approximately 30 Greek city-states united to resist the Persian Empire. This alliance was led primarily by Sparta, which held a congress of delegates to coordinate military strategy, and Athens, which provided the bulk of the naval forces.1
Key participants and dynamics included:
- The Greek League: Formed in 481 BCE, this alliance included various states that agreed to cease internal conflicts to defend Greece.12
- Athenian Leadership: Athens was central to the resistance, notably providing 20 ships to support the Ionian Revolt in 499 BCE and later leading the Delian League, which continued the offensive against Persia.34
- Other Allies: The coalition sought support from various regions, including Corinth, which provided ships, and other Aegean and mainland cities.42
- Non-participants and Medizers: Not all Greeks joined the defense. Thebes was noted for "Medizing" (siding with Persia), while Argos maintained a neutral stance. Other states, such as Crete, remained uninvolved.2