498 BC Sardis captured and burned by Ionian cities. 494 BC Persians crush Ionian revolt at Battle of Lade, and burns down Miletus. 490 BC Persians defeated at battle of Marathon. 486 BC 480 BC Darius dies, Xerxes invades Greece. Persians defeated by Greeks at Termoplyae and Salamis 479 BC Persians defeated again at battles, Platea and Mycale.
Ionian cities regain freedom temporarily.
478 BC Delian League welcomes Ionian cities. 467 BC Persians defeated once more by Athenians at Termydon. 431 BC 404 BC Peloponessian war begins between Athens and Sparta. End of Peloponessian war, Sparta victorious against Athens. 401 BC The ten thousand under Xenophon begins expedition into Persia.