HPSC HCS 2021 · Question 173 of 177

Directions: The following questions are based on the following passage. The victory of the small Greek democracy of Athens over the mighty pers. 490 B.C., is one of the most famous events in history. Darius, King of the Persian Empire, was furious because Athens had interceded for the other Greek - City - States in revolt against Persian domination. In anger, the King sent an enormous army to defeat Athens. He thought it would take drastic steps to pacify the rebellious part of the empire. Persia was ruled by one man. In Athens, however, all citizens helped to rule. Ennobled by this participation, Athenians were prepared to die for their city-state. Perhaps this was the secret of the remarkable victory of Marathon, which freed them from Persian rule. On their way to Marathon, the Persians tried to fool some Greek city - states by claiming to have come in peace. The frightened citizens of Delos refused to believe this. Not wanting to abet the conquest of Greece, they fled from their city and did not return until the Persians had left. They were wise, for the Persians next conquered the city of Eritrea and captured its people. Tiny Athens stood alone against Persi sanctuaries. There they prayed for deliverance. They asked their gods to expedite their victory. The Athenians refurbished their weapons and moved to the plain of Marathon, where their little band would meet the Persians. At the last moment, soldiers from Plataea reinforced the Athenian troops. The Athenian army attacked, and Greek citizens fought bravely. The power of the mighty Persians was offset by the love that the Athenians had for their city. Athenians defeated the Persian in both archery and hand combat. Greek soldiers seized Persian ships and burned them, and the Persians fled in terror. Herodotus, a famous historian, reports that 6,400 Persians died, compared to only 192 Athenians. Their participation _______ to the Athenians.

Reading Comprehension

1. Agave comfort
2. Bgave honourCorrect
3. Cgave strength
4. Dgave fear