479 BC
479 BC was a year in the Julian calendar, specifically within the pre-Julian Roman calendar system. It marks a year within the 5th century BC, a period of significant change and development in the ancient world, particularly in Greece and the Mediterranean.
Significant Events and Developments:
While precise details are often debated and subject to ongoing historical research, 479 BC is generally associated with:
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The end of the Second Persian invasion of Greece: The pivotal battles of Plataea and Mycale effectively ended the Persian threat to mainland Greece. These battles, fought nearly simultaneously, resulted in decisive victories for the Greek city-states, solidifying their independence and ushering in a period of Athenian dominance. Plataea was a land battle fought in Boeotia, while Mycale was a naval battle fought off the coast of Ionia in Asia Minor.
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Rise of Athenian Power: Following the Persian Wars, Athens began to assert its influence in the Aegean Sea, forming the Delian League. This alliance, initially intended to continue fighting against Persia, gradually transformed into an Athenian empire, with member states contributing tribute and resources to Athens.
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Rebuilding and Recovery: Many Greek city-states, including Athens, began the process of rebuilding infrastructure and recovering from the devastation caused by the Persian invasions.
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Continued Conflicts and Political Intrigue: Despite the victory over Persia, tensions and rivalries persisted between the Greek city-states. The period following 479 BC saw the rise of competition between Athens and Sparta, which would eventually lead to the Peloponnesian War.
Importance:
479 BC is considered a crucial turning point in ancient Greek history. The defeat of the Persian Empire allowed Greek culture and political systems to flourish, laying the foundations for the Golden Age of Athens and the subsequent development of Western civilization. The year marks the end of a major external threat and the beginning of a new era characterized by internal rivalries and the rise of Athenian power.