The Greek city-states were located to the west of Persia, across the Aegean Sea. The Persian Empire encompassed a vast territory, stretching from modern-day Iran to the eastern Mediterranean, and bordered the Greek city-states to the east.
The distance between the Greek city-states and Persia, as well as the geographical and cultural barriers between them, likely contributed to the way Persia saw the Greeks. The Persians viewed themselves as a superior civilization, with a rich history and advanced culture. They may have regarded the Greeks as less sophisticated and less powerful than themselves, particularly since the Greek city-states were relatively small and fragmented compared to the vast Persian Empire.
However, the Persian perception of the Greeks may have also been influenced by their interactions with Greek city-states on their western borders. The Persian Wars, which took place in the early 5th century BCE, saw the Persian Empire clash with a coalition of Greek city-states led by Athens. The Greeks were ultimately victorious, which may have reinforced Persian perceptions of the Greeks as a weaker and less significant civilization.
Overall, the distance and cultural differences between the Greek city-states and Persia likely contributed to the way Persia saw the Greeks. While the Persians may have regarded themselves as superior, their interactions with the Greeks on their western borders likely influenced their perceptions of Greek power and significance.