Intro In 479 B.C. the Athenian victory over the Persians in the battle of Plateia failed to quell fighting between the two sides. Athens began supporting Egyptian revolts, which were aimed at overthrowing the Persian rule and establishing a national dynasty. In 459 B.C. the Athenians supported the revolt of the Libyan prince Inaros, by sending him 200 warships and aiding him in taking the capital of Memphis. Donald Kagan states “In order to establish legitimacy, …showed first 75 words of 1157 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1157 total…Donald Kagan states how the overwhelming odds eventually wore the Athenians down. “The overwhelming 2 to 1 ratio of the Spartan army combined with the mysterious plague from Egypt slowly deteriorated the Athenian empire” (143). Thus, one can come to the conclusion that the Temple of Athena Nike, which was once a symbol of military dominance and power came to be known as a symbol of deterioration and downfall to the people of Athens and those living around