Delian League

1. By 477 BC Sparta had lost its leadership of the Greek cist states. Athens was able to assume leadership of the eastern states which formed the Delian League. The Ionians turned to the Athenians, after being rejected by the Spartans for protection against the Persians. A compact was made between the Ionian Greeks and the Athenians that together they would drive out the Persians. This agreement was bound by placing iron into the sea to symbolize their lasting bond. The confederacy was centered in Delos and reasons for this include: an excellent harbour, cult centre of Apollo, politically insignificant. Athens had strong credentials for holding this leadership. These include:
„X Aegean states in revolt against Persia accepted and also invited Athenian leadership.
„X Athens had no helots or discontented allies
„X Athenian democracy was an alternative political system opposed to tyranny and obligarchy
„X Athens seen as a protector for the Ionian cities
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