The war fought between Greece and Persia in the 5th century BC is known as the Greco-Persian Wars. This series of conflicts, spanning from 499 to 449 BC, included famous battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis. The primary cause of the wars was the Persian Empire's expansion and its attempts to control Greek city-states. The resilience and cooperation of the Greek city-states marked a significant chapter in their history, ultimately leading to their victory over the larger Persian forces. These wars catalyzed the development of a distinct Greek identity and laid the foundation for the Golden Age of Athens.