Ancient history

What happened to Athens as a result of Persian Wars?

Athens rose to prominence as a result of the Persian Wars.

Before the Persian Wars, Athens was just one of many city-states in Greece. But its victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC and at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC made it the most powerful city-state in Greece.

As a result, Athens was able to dominate the Delian League and expand its territories. it gained more power because they had a strong democracy to support the war effort, a large naval fleet at the time which played pivotal role, and powerful leaders like Themistocles.

This expansion led to conflict with rival city-states within Greece. The resulting Peloponnesian Wars weakened both Athens and Sparta.