This map illustrates the geopolitical landscape and military movements during the Persian Wars, circa 499–479 BCE. It showcases the divisions between Persian-controlled areas, allied and hostile Greek states, key battles, and routes taken by Persian forces.
| Color / Marking | Description |
|---|---|
| Pink | Persian Empire territory |
| Pink-white | Persian vassal regions |
| Dark Gray | Greek states opposing Persia |
| Light Green | Greek neutral or non-aligned states |
| Red Arrows (solid) | Persian army movements |
| Red Arrows (dashed) | Persian naval movements |
| Red Crosses | Locations of significant battles |
Persian Empire & Vassal Regions
- Persian Empire (pink): Covers much of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), including key cities and islands such as Miletus, Ephesus, Halicarnassus, Samos, Chios, Rhodes, and the coast opposite the Aegean.
- Vassal territories (pink-white): Macedonia became a vassal of the Persians in 512 BCE but was resubjugated in 492 BCE by the Persian general Mardonius.
Greek Regions—Opponents vs. Neutrals
- Opponents of Persia (dark gray): Notable states include Sparta, Athens, Corinth, Argos, Megapolis, Messenia, and broader Peloponnese provinces such as Laconia and Arcadia. These states formed major military resistance against Persia.
- Neutral/Non-aligned states (light green): Regions like Thessaly, Aetolia, Acarnania, Epirus, and Crete remained non-belligerent or diplomatically undecided during the conflicts.
Key Battles & Their Locations
| Battle | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Marathon (490 BCE) | Near Athens | A pivotal Athenian victory against Persia |
| Thermopylae (480 BCE) | Pass of Thermopylae | Legendary stand by Spartan-led force |
| Artemisium (480 BCE) | Off Euboea (sea battle) | Naval engagements concurrent with Thermopylae |
| Salamis (480 BCE) | Near Athens (sea) | Decisive Greek naval triumph |
| Plataea (479 BCE) | Near Boeotia | Final land victory ending Persian threat |
These are marked with red crosses and labeled with the year on the map.
Persian Campaign Routes
- Army movements (solid red arrows): Show Persian land invasions advancing across Asia Minor, crossing into Greek mainland through Thessaly and Macedonia, sweeping down toward central Greece and regions like Thermopylae.
- Naval movements (dashed red arrows): Indicate sea routes taken by the Persian fleet. They move south from the coast of Asia Minor, around islands such as Lesbos and Chios, toward the Greek mainland (e.g., to Mytilene, Phocaea), then looping around toward Salamis and Athens.
Overall, this map offers a comprehensive snapshot of the Persian Wars by combining:
- Territorial control and allegiances.
- Movements of Persian military forces by land and sea.
- Locations and dates of critical battles that shaped the outcome of the conflict.
