Sparta's role in the Persian war

During the time of Sparta, Persia was the largest empire in the world. The powerful kings of Persia controlled the land of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Not too long after a war the Persians started, King Darius started preparing an army to fight against Greece. The Persian king sent messengers to ask the Spartans and other Greeks to kneel down to the Persians. Instead of kneeling down to the Persians the Spartans threw the Persian messengers into the wells.
In order to win against the Persians the Geeks would have to unite and become allies. The Greeks looked to Sparta for help and guidance. They recognized Sparta as their leader. When the Athens asked Sparta for help when the Persians attacked them Sparta refused to send an army to help the Athens. The Spartans only went to the Athens after the battle and were surprised to find out that the Athens had won the battle.