For anyone who missed one or all of these days. Of course, you should get specific notes from someone in class as well. There are terms, names, and events going on the board.

FRIDAY 16Dec

We discussed the timeline of the Persian Wars, from the reign of Cyrus (559BC) to the end of the war with the Greeks (479BC). Darius assumed the throne after taking part in the assassination of Emperor Cambyses, and married Cambyses’ sister, Atossa.

I asked the question: ‘Why do states go to war’ and we identified a handful of issues (some of which are important for understanding why the Greeks fought).

We discussed why Sparta refused to join the Ionian Revolt (499BC) while the Athenians decided to join. Athens sent an army to Ionia, which marched to Sardis and sacked and burnt the city, a feat that really pissed ogg Emperor Darius (who had no clue who the Athenians even were).

MONDAY 19Dec

We read Herodotus pp.352-353, and the speeches of pp.354-357. Also read Herodotus pp.358-365.

Discussed the Battle of Marathon, how it was fought and the implications for both the Athenians and other Greeks.

TUESDAY 20Dec

We read Herodotus pp.366-376 and 378-381.

Discussed the Battles of Thermopylae and Salamis.