Edward Bulwer-Lytton

The Preparations of Darius. - Revolt of Egypt. - Dispute for the Succession to the Persian Throne. - Death of Darius. - Brief Review of the leading Events and Characteristics of his Reign.

Return of the Heraclidae. - The Spartan Constitution and Habits. - The first and second Messenian War.

Xerxes Conducts an Expedition into Egypt. - He finally resolves on the Invasion of Greece. - Vast Preparations for the Conquest of Europe. - Xerxes Arrives at Sardis. - Despatches Envoys to the Greek States, demanding Tribute. - The Bridge of the Hellespont. - Review of the Persian Armament at Abydos. - Xerxes Encamps at Therme.

Governments in Greece.

The Conduct of the Greeks. - The Oracle relating to Salamis. - Art of Themistocles. - The Isthmian Congress. - Embassies to Argos, Crete, Corcyra, and Syracuse. - Their ill Success. - The Thessalians send Envoys to the Isthmus. - The Greeks advance to Tempe, but retreat. - The Fleet despatched to Artemisium, and the Pass of Thermopylae occupied. - Numbers of the Grecian Fleet. - Battle of Thermopylae.

Brief Survey of Arts, Letters, and Philosophy in Greece, prior to the Legislation of Solon.

The Advice of Demaratus to Xerxes. - Themistocles. - Actions off Artemisium. - The Greeks retreat. - The Persians invade Delphi, and are repulsed with great Loss. - The Athenians, unaided by their Allies, abandon Athens, and embark for Salamis. - The irresolute and selfish Policy of the Peloponnesians. - Dexterity and Firmness of Themistocles. - Battle of Salamis. - Andros and Carystus besieged by the Greeks. - Anecdotes of Themistocles. - Honours awarded to him in Sparta. - Xerxes returns to Asia. - Olynthus and Potidaea besieged by Artabazus. - The Athenians return Home.

Embassy of Alexander of Macedon to Athens. - The Result of his Proposals. - Athenians retreat to Salamis. - Mardonius occupies Athens. - The Athenians send Envoys to Sparta. - Pausanias succeeds Cleombrotus as Regent of Sparta. - Battle of Plataea. - Thebes besieged by the Athenians. - Battle of Mycale. - Siege of Sestos. - Conclusion of the Persian War.