The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire in the 5th century BCE. These wars began when Persia, led by King Darius I, sought to expand its empire and conquer Greece. The city-states of Athens and Eretria supported the Ionian Greek cities in their revolt against Persian rule, which prompted retaliation from Persia.

The most significant battle of the Persian Wars was the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Athens emerged victorious and successfully defended its city from the Persians. This victory brought glory and confidence to Athens, sparking the beginning of its Golden Age.

Under the leadership of Pericles, Athens experienced tremendous growth in various aspects. During the Golden Age, the city-state experienced a flourishing of democratic governance, the arts, literature, and philosophy. The construction of the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis is a testament to the achievements of this era.

The Golden Age of Athens also saw the rise of great thinkers and philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These intellectuals contributed significantly to the fields of ethics, politics, and metaphysics, shaping the foundations of Western philosophy.