Lesson 1 From one of the listed sources (such as Herodotus), read or retell the section on the battle of Marathon. This battle took place with first invasion of Persia under the emperor Darius, and it is noteworthy because the Persians were repelled and returned to their homeland, but also because of the messenger who ran to Sparta for reinforcements, honored now by the long distance running events. Draw a picture of this first marathon runner. Review the rugged Greek terrain and then compose a story about what goes on in the runner's mind as he dashes to Sparta. Describe his feet, his breath, his indomitable spirit, etc., moments of weakness and obstacles encountered.
Lesson 2 Draw a simple map of the lands surrounding the Aegean Sea. Label the
following: Asia Minor (occupied by the Persian army), the Hellespont, Macedonia,
Athens, and Sparta. Designate the location of Thermopylae and Salamis. Trace the
route followed by Xerxes and his army along the coast of the Greek mainland.
Lesson 3 Recount the event where the Persian army crossed the sea by pontoon
bridge at the Hellespont. Discuss what it would take to accomplish such a feat;
livestock, supplies, wagons, and the entire army of two-and-a-half million would
cross this bridge. Create a simple diagram that would show the process of
construction in three or four stages. For instance, the diagram could show in stage
1 the stretching of rope across the channel; stage two might show the lashing of
the boats together; stage three could show the laying down of planks from boat to
boat, etc.
Lesson 4 Find from your source books examples
of armor used by the Greeks or the Spartans and
compare the merits of each. Draw a picture of an
Athenian or Spartan warrior. If you can find some
examples of Persian warriors of this period, include
these as well. On the left is a Greek helmet that is
similar to those used at the Battle of Thermopylae.
Notice the dent at the top where the broad side of a
sword may have struck the warrior. Note that in
the picture on the next page of Greek and Persian
warriors, the Greek warrior is unclothed. This was
an artistic convention of the time to show the
difference between Greeks and barbarians, but most
often, the Greeks were clothed during battle.
Lesson 5 Discuss the difference between living under the rule of an absolute
monarch such as the Persian king Darius or Xerxes, and life within a free city-state
such as Athens. What freedoms did an Athenian enjoy that were unknown to a
Persian in the army of Xerxes? What were the risks of being a free city-state? Have
your student write down reasons why he would prefer one to the other.
