Map of Europe in 500 BC
This border map shows Europe and the Mediterranean in 500 BC (era: Classical Greece). The largest states on the map were Achaemenid Empire, Carthaginian Empire and Greek city-states. The map stays in use until the next border change recorded in 400 BC.
Open Europe in 500 BC in the interactive map
States on the map in 500 BC
Areas are approximate and cover each state's whole territory, including land outside the map frame.
| State | Approx. area |
|---|---|
| Achaemenid Empire | 5.95 million km² |
| Carthaginian Empire | 630,000 km² |
| Greek city-states | 250,000 km² |
| Boii | 40,000 km² |
| Etruscans | 30,000 km² |
| Sabines | 10,000 km² |
| Samnites | 10,000 km² |
Rulers in 500 BC
| Realm | Ruler | Reign |
|---|---|---|
| Persia | Darius I | 522 BC–486 BC |
| Rome | Roman Republic (consuls) | 509 BC–28 BC |
Key events, 500 BC to 401 BC
| Year | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 490 BC | Persian Wars: Battle of Marathon | Battle of Marathon |
| 480 BC | Thermopylae and Salamis | Battle of Salamis |
| 431 BC | The Peloponnesian War begins | Athens |
| 404 BC | Athens surrenders to Sparta | Athens |
Battles and sites in this period
- Battle of Marathon · 490 BC
- Battle of Thermopylae · 480 BC
- Battle of Salamis · 480 BC
Part of the era: Classical Greece. See also the world in 500 BC.