The Rebuilding of Athens

After defeating Persia, the Greeks carried the war to Asia Minor and freed Miletus. The Ionian cities formed a league with Greece. Athenians returned to find their city in ruins, but a sacred olive tree sprouted new shoots—a good omen from Athena. They rebuilt with energy. When Sparta jealously objected to Athens fortifying its walls (claiming enemies might use it as a stronghold), Themistocles went to Sparta and artfully prolonged discussions until the walls were high enough to defend. The Spartans were angry but could do nothing.