The significance of the Persian Wars in ancient history lies in the struggle between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states during the early 5th century BCE. These wars, notably the battles of Marathon and Salamis, demonstrated the unity and resilience of the Greek city-states against a larger empire. The eventual Greek victory fostered a sense of Greek identity and led to the flourishing of art, philosophy, and democracy in the subsequent Classical period, profoundly influencing Western civilization.