The Battle of Marathon, fought in 490 BC during the First Persian Invasion of Greece, was a pivotal encounter between the Athenian army and the Persian forces. The Athenians, heavily outnumbered, managed a decisive victory that not only halted the Persian advance but also boosted Greek confidence and unity in their struggle against Persian expansion.
The battle took place on the Marathon plain, near Athens, and saw the Athenian army, supported by a small contingent from Plataea, outmaneuver the Persians through strategic planning and superior tactics. This victory had far-reaching consequences, marking the first time a Greek army had defeated the Persians and setting the stage for future conflicts in the Greco-Persian Wars.
According to legend, a messenger named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens, a distance of approximately 26 miles, to announce the Greek victory. This story inspired the modern marathon race. The Battle of Marathon remains a symbol of resistance and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
| Start Date | 490 BC |
|---|---|
| End Date | 490 BC |
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Did you know? The Battle of Marathon marked the first time the Greek city-states united to face a common enemy, setting a precedent for future cooperation against the Persian Empire.
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