Battle of Marathon

Definition

The Battle of Marathon was a pivotal battle fought in 490 BCE between the Persian Empire and the city-state of Athens, marking a significant turning point in the Greco-Persian Wars. The Athenians, aided by a small contingent from Plataea, achieved an unexpected victory against a much larger Persian force, which instilled a sense of unity among the Greek city-states and laid the groundwork for the development of Athenian democracy during its Golden Age.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Battle of Marathon took place on September 12, 490 BCE, near the town of Marathon, located about 26 miles northeast of Athens.
2. The Athenian forces, numbering around 10,000 soldiers, faced approximately 25,000 Persian troops but employed superior tactics and the phalanx formation to win.
3. The victory at Marathon boosted Athenian morale and contributed to a growing sense of identity among Greek city-states, setting the stage for future resistance against Persia.
4. In commemoration of their victory, a messenger named Pheidippides famously ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the news, which is often credited as the origin of the modern marathon race.
5. The outcome of the battle had lasting effects on Greek civilization, as it reinforced Athenian democracy and contributed to the eventual rise of Athens as a major cultural and political power in ancient Greece.

Review Questions

• How did the Battle of Marathon influence Athenian democracy and Greek unity?
  • The Battle of Marathon was significant in fostering Athenian democracy as it united citizens against a common enemy—the Persians. The victory demonstrated that even smaller city-states could stand up to larger powers, inspiring a sense of pride and shared identity among Greeks. This collective experience helped reinforce democratic ideals in Athens as citizens recognized their power in determining their fate.
• Evaluate the strategic advantages that led to the Athenian victory at Marathon despite being outnumbered.
  • The Athenian victory at Marathon can be attributed to several strategic advantages, including superior tactics such as the use of the phalanx formation and effective coordination among troops. The Athenians also utilized their knowledge of the terrain to create advantageous positions against the Persians. Additionally, their disciplined and motivated forces were driven by a strong desire to protect their homeland, which enhanced their combat effectiveness compared to their Persian counterparts.
• Assess how the outcome of the Battle of Marathon set the stage for future conflicts between Greece and Persia.
  • The outcome of the Battle of Marathon had profound implications for future conflicts between Greece and Persia. It not only served as a significant morale booster for the Greeks but also demonstrated that they could successfully resist Persian expansion. This pivotal victory laid the groundwork for subsequent battles, such as those at Thermopylae and Salamis during the Second Persian invasion. Ultimately, it galvanized Greek city-states into a more cohesive alliance against Persia, leading to their eventual success in repelling foreign domination.

Related terms

Persian Empire: A vast empire in ancient history known for its impressive administrative system and cultural diversity, which posed a significant threat to the independent Greek city-states during the Persian Wars.

Phalanx: A military formation used by the ancient Greeks, consisting of rows of heavily armed infantry soldiers (hoplites) standing shoulder to shoulder, which proved effective during battles like Marathon.

Darius I: The third king of the Persian Empire, who sought to expand his realm and was responsible for initiating the first Persian invasion of Greece, culminating in the Battle of Marathon.