- The Delian League was a coalition of Greek cities under Athens that operated between 478-404 BCE against Persia.
History
- In 478 BCE, Athens led an association of Greek city states known as the Delian League (or Athenian League), against Persia.
- The aim was to liberate the eastern Greek cities from Persian Rule, and prevent the Persians attacking other cities, after their defeat at Marathon and Salamis.
- From 478 BCE onwards, the Meetings of the Delian League were held in the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delos, and the Treasury of the League was also kept here until it was removed to Athens in 454 BCE.
- The Delian League consisted of between 150 to 173 Cities, grouped under the leadership of Athens, with the aim of continuing the War against the Persian Empire.
- During this Period the Delian Games were held here every 5 years.
- The Delian League was ended after the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta. Athens was permanently weakened and lost her navy, whilst Sparta, who was allied to Persia, became the strongest Greek city state.
Athens