The globalized world is more and more affected by ideological conflicts. An example from the ancient world is set to represent causes and background of conflicts, not only by the example of idologies (besides the usual aspects of the intention of gaining power and economic advantages), but also or especially with the aspect on the creation of enemy images. Despite recent research, the complexity of such conflicts is still ignored. This contribution about the (Greek-)Persian wars will clarify that they were by no means conflicts of clearly defined borders as democracy against despotism, east against west or Asia against Europe as often assumed and interpreted.
Keywords: Alexander, Athens, Greek, Herodotus, Persia, Sparta
