Explain the importance of the Athenians and Spartans working together to defeat the Persians.

The importance of the Athenians and Spartans working together to defeat the Persians lies in the collaboration of two very different Greek city-states to confront a common and formidable enemy. Despite their cultural, political, and military differences, they united to defend their homeland from the Persian Empire during the Greco-Persian Wars.

The Athenians were known for their naval strength, democratic government, and philosophical and artistic achievements. On the other hand, the Spartans were famous for their militaristic society, oligarchic government, and their land-based military prowess. When the Persian Empire, led by kings like Darius and Xerxes, threatened to conquer Greece, the city-states realized that they could not withstand the invasion alone due to the vast size and strength of the Persian forces.

By uniting, the Athenians and Spartans combined their respective strengths. At the Battle of Marathon (490 BC), the Athenians primarily defeated the Persians with their strategic prowess. Later, at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC), the Spartans made a valiant stand that delayed the Persian advance, allowing the Greek city-states more time to prepare for further battles. The unity of Greek forces was crucial at the naval Battle of Salamis, where the Athenian navy played a leading role in defeating the Persian fleet.

The cooperation between Athenians and Spartans thus proved essential for the survival of Greek independence and culture. Their victory preserved the unique development of Greek city-states and allowed for the flourishing of ancient Greek culture, which has had an enduring influence on Western civilization.