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Factors Leading To The Persian Wars

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Two main factors led to the Persian Wars. First, there was Persian expansion into the West. Second, Solon's reforms and Peisistratus’ seizing control of Sigeum had made Athens especially sensitive to any threats to its grain route from the Black Sea. Further complicating this was the fact that several Athenian nobles held lands in the North Aegean. The Ionian Greeks submitted to Persian rule and lived under appointed Greek tyrants since Cyrus the Great; however, in the early 500s, the Ionians raised a revolt and drove their tyrants out. The realized they needed help against Darius and appealed to the Spartans for aid. The Spartans denied their request, but Athens and Eretria sent ships and soldiers. Everything eventually led to a naval battle

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