Greek battles were significant military conflicts that shaped the history of ancient Greece. Notable battles include the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, where the Athenians defeated the Persian Empire, and the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where a small Greek force, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, made a heroic stand against a much larger Persian army. These battles often involved city-states like Athens and Sparta, which had different military strategies and cultures. The outcomes of these conflicts influenced the balance of power in the region and contributed to the rise of Democracy in Athens and the eventual decline of Persian influence in Greece.