Question

The Battle of Thermopylae was key to Athenian victory in the Persian War because it _________.

• A. Prevented the Persians from reaching and sacking Athens itself
• B. Wiped out a large portion of the Persian army before it reached Athens
• C. Delayed the Persians' approach and gave the Athenians time to prepare
• D. Eliminated the Persian navy and forced them to rely on a land attack
• E. Weakened Persian morale and left the soldiers unwilling to fight

Answer 1

The correct option is C Delayed the Persians' approach and gave the Athenians time to prepare

The Battle of Thermopylae played an important role in Athens's success in the Persian Wars because it delayed the Persian army's approach and allowed the Athenians time to prepare for battle. At Thermopylae, the Persians had to first annihilate a three-hundred- man Spartan army to pass through the mountains and reach Athens. Although they were vastly outnumbered, the Spartans prevented the Persians from proceeding to Athens long enough to give the Athenians time to prepare. Although Athens was initially sacked, the Athenian navy eventually defeated the Persians.