By now, [[Darius I]] had taken control of Persia. In 499 [[BC]], Ionia begins to rebel against Persian rule. As the Ionians and Persians fought, Athens covertly sent supplies to Ionia. The revolts were put down by 493 [[BC]], and Cyrus set his sights on Athens. A Persian amphibious force of nearly 600 ships sailed towards [[Eretria]], easily sacking the city. The force then crossed to the mainland at [[Marathon]], a large, flat plain just north of [[Athens]]. | By now, [[Darius I]] had taken control of Persia. In 499 [[BC]], Ionia begins to rebel against Persian rule. As the Ionians and Persians fought, Athens covertly sent supplies to Ionia. The revolts were put down by 493 [[BC]], and Cyrus set his sights on Athens. A Persian amphibious force of nearly 600 ships sailed towards [[Eretria]], easily sacking the city. The force then crossed to the mainland at [[Marathon]], a large, flat plain just north of [[Athens]]. |