What was the Delian League in ancient Greece?
Quick Answer
The Delian League was a military alliance led by Athens after the Persian Wars, founded in 478 BCE. It began as a defensive coalition but gradually became an Athenian empire.
The Full Story
The Delian League was formed in 478 BCE by Greek city-states that wanted to continue resisting Persia after the Persian Wars. Its treasury was originally kept on the island of Delos, which gave the league its name. Member states contributed ships or money, but over time Athens gained control and used league resources for its own purposes. By the mid-5th century BCE, the alliance had become increasingly coercive, and some cities that tried to leave were forced back into line. This transformation helped make Athens the dominant power in the Aegean world.
Key Facts
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