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Founding of the Delian League

Type Event Region Aegean Sea Time -478

In 478 BCE, after the Greek victory in the Greco-Persian Wars, about 20 Aegean city-states met on Delos to form an Athenian-led military alliance, th…

Timeline

  1. -478Delos · CycladesUnder Athenian leadership, representatives of about twenty city-states gathered before the Temple of Apollo on Delos, swore to face a common enemy, elected Athens as leader of the alliance, and drew up a charter for paying tribute and waging joint campaigns.
  2. -478Delos · CycladesThe League treasury was established on Delos; members paid silver tribute or provided warships according to their land and wealth. The League's nominal aim was to defend against Persian invasion and liberate the Ionian Greek cities, but actual military command was concentrated in Athens.

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