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500 B. C.

THE relative positions of the nations of Europe and Western Asia at the year 500 B. C. are shown in a broad and general way upon the accompanying map.

We shall now try to trace the chief political changes and national movements from the date of this map (500 B. C.) down to the year A. D. 1883.

CHRONOLOGY OF THE MORE IMPORTANT EVENTS PRIOR TO THE FIFTH CENTURY B. C.

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PROMINENT NAMES IN GREECE PREVIOUS TO THE FIFTH
CENTURY B. C.

(Many of the dates are conjectural.)

Statesmen and Rulers.- Lycurgus (fl. 825?), Draco (fl. 621?), Solon (638?-558?), Pisistratus (612?-527).

Philosophers. Thales (636-546), Anaximander (610-547), Pythagoras (fl. 540-510), Xenophanes (fl. 540-500).

Poets and Artists. — Homer (fl. 962-927), Hesiod (fl. 859-824?), Archilochus (714?676), Terpander (fl. 700-650), Tyrtæus (683-657), Alcæus (fl. 611), Sappho (fl. 611 -592), Æsop (fl. 570 ?).

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FIFTH CENTURY BEFORE CHRIST.

(500-400.)

THE countries of the greatest historical interest and importance during this century are PERSIA and GREECE.

PERSIA, although the chief power of the world at this time, is of general interest only in connection with her unsuccessful attempt to conquer Greece, known as the Persian War. (See ILLUSTRATIONS, page 13.) The vast territory of the Persian Empire suffers no important change in its extent, except in the loss of Egypt, which revolts and becomes independent in 413 B. C.

GREECE is involved between 492 B. C. and 479 B. C. in the famous and decisive struggle with Persia which results in the defeat of the Persians, who are finally driven in disgrace wholly out of Europe. (See ILLUSTRATIONS.) The defeat of the Persians is followed by the wonderfully brilliant period — the highest point of greatness and splendor attained by the Greeks-commonly known as the Age of Pericles. (See ILLUSTRATIONS.)

ROME is merely a little settlement in the infancy of her power. (See ILLUSTRATIONS.)

EGYPT revolts from Persia and becomes independent in 413 B. C. CARTHAGE presents no movements of interest.

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