Greco-Persian Wars: The Greeks (Including Spartans) Prevailed

The question "Persians or Spartans?" frames a false binary. The Greek city-states collectively defeated Persian invasions—with Sparta playing a crucial but not solo role.

Three Major Invasions

1. 490 BCE – Marathon: Athenians (+ Plataeans) under Miltiades defeat Darius I's force. Sparta arrived late.
2. 480–479 BCE – Xerxes' Invasion:
   • Thermopylae: 300 Spartans (+ 7,000 Greeks) delay Persians—symbolic sacrifice
   • Salamis: Themistocles (Athenian) lures Persian fleet into straits—decisive naval victory
   • Plataea (479 BCE): Spartan-led Greek army (Pausanias) crushes Persian land force

Outcome

• Persian expansion into Europe halted permanently
• Athens forms Delian League → Athenian Empire
• Sparta's prestige peaks but leads to Peloponnesian War with Athens

Bottom Line

Greeks won. Spartans were essential at Plataea and Thermopylae, but Athens provided the navy at Salamis. Unity (fragile) and terrain/strategy beat imperial mass.