Greco Persian Wars
Athens and Greek city states are famous for fighting against tyranny quite old, during 5th century BC.
The importance for Western civilization
Many scholars give credit to ancient Athenians for standing against eastern empire of Persia, centuries ago.
This happened for saving the ideas of west, even if at that time, the Democrady and theater existed, but only in the small village of Athens, the center of Attica.
Marathon 490 BC
Marathon area is between Penteli mountain and the sea located on northeast Attica. It became famous for a battle, since it was the place where Persians made their invasion in Attica in 5th century BC. Actually it was where Peisistratus had landed in order to occupy Athens and become a tyrant. His son, leading Persians tried to imitate him, unsuccessfully.
Plataea 479 BC
You can reach Plataea easily, by following Attiki odos towards Elefsina and at its end go north, towards Mandra.
The way is the old road that connected Elefsina to Thebes. After driving up the mountain of Parnitha, on the way down you come across the plain where the ancient battle took place.
Salamis Battle 480 BC
Salamis island and the famous battle
Salamis is opposite Elefsina, in Argosaronikos Gulf. There are no museums for the battle itself, even if there is a small archaeological museum on the island. It was a tactical advantage by Themistocles the Athenian, who knew the weather conditions of the area during September and trapped the Persian fleet there.
