The first Persian invasion was a response Response to Athenian involvement in the Ionian Revolt , when Athens and Eretria had sent Sending a force to support the cities of Ionia in their attempt to overthrow Removing Persian rule .

Miltiades , the Athenian general , ordered Request a general attack against the Persian forces Causation , composed primarily of missile troops .

There were several causes for the war Military_operation including the building of the Athenian long walls , Megara 's defection and the envy and concern felt by Sparta at the growth of the Athenian Empire .

There were several causes for the war Military_operation including the building of the Athenian long walls , Megara 's defection and the envy and concern felt by Sparta at the growth of the Athenian Empire .

They also had the better of the fighting on land , until 457 BC when the Spartans and their allies defeated Conquering the Athenian army at Tanagra .

In 340 BC Demosthenes convinced Convincing the Athenian assembly to sanction Revenge action against Philip 's territories and to ally with the Achaemenids in Byzantium , which Philip was besieging Besieging .