After the battle of Plataea the Athenians, with their
wives and children, returned to Attica and began the restoration of their city,
which the Persians had burned. Their first care was to raise a wall so high and
strong Athens in future would be impregnable to attack. Upon the suggestion of
Themistocles it was decided to include within the fortifications a wide area
where all the country people, in case of another invasion, could find a refuge.
Themistocles also persuaded the Athenians to build a massive wall on the land side
of Piraeus, the port of Athens. That harbor town now became the center of
Athenian industry and commerce.
ARISTIDES AND THE DELIAN LEAGUE, 477 B.C.
While the Athenians were rebuilding their city, important
events were taking place in the Aegean. After the battle of Mycale the Greek
states in Asia Minor and on the islands once more rose in revolt against the
Persians. Aided by Sparta and Athens, they gained several successes and removed
the immediate danger of another Persian attack. It was clearly necessary,
however, for the Greek cities in Asia Minor and the Aegean to remain in close
alliance with the Continental Greeks, if they were to preserve their
independence. Under the guidance of Aristides, the old rival of Themistocles,
the allies formed a union known as the Delian League.
