Battle of Marathon

Definition

The Battle of Marathon was a pivotal conflict fought in 490 BCE between the Greek city-states, particularly Athens, and the invading Persian forces. This battle marked a crucial moment in the Persian Wars, showcasing the strength and unity of the Greek city-states against a powerful empire, and served as a foundation for the development of Athenian democracy and military strategy during the Classical period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Battle of Marathon took place on September 12, 490 BCE, and was part of the first invasion of Greece by the Persian Empire under King Darius I.
2. The Athenian army, numbering about 10,000 hoplites, faced a Persian force estimated to be around 25,000 strong but was able to outmaneuver them due to superior tactics and terrain advantage.
3. This victory had a profound psychological impact on the Greeks, proving that the Persians could be defeated and inspiring unity among the city-states against future threats.
4. Following their victory, Pheidippides is said to have run approximately 26 miles from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory, leading to the modern marathon race's origin.
5. The battle is often credited with bolstering Athenian democracy as it instilled a sense of pride and identity among Athenians, contributing to their political and cultural development in subsequent years.

Review Questions

• How did the tactics used by the Athenians during the Battle of Marathon contribute to their victory against a larger Persian force?
  • The Athenians employed a tactical advantage by utilizing the terrain of Marathon and their formation known as the phalanx. This formation allowed them to create a wall of shields and thrust spears at the advancing Persians while maintaining cohesion. The surprise attack during the engagement disrupted Persian plans and demonstrated their effectiveness despite being outnumbered, showcasing not only bravery but strategic acumen.
• In what ways did the Battle of Marathon influence Athenian democracy and foster a sense of unity among Greek city-states?
  • The Battle of Marathon reinforced Athenian pride and confidence in their military capabilities, which translated into a stronger commitment to democratic ideals. The shared experience of resisting a common enemy fostered cooperation among various Greek city-states, leading to increased solidarity against future Persian incursions. This event also highlighted the importance of citizen participation in warfare, which aligned with democratic principles.
• Analyze how the outcome of the Battle of Marathon affected subsequent conflicts between Greece and Persia, particularly in shaping Greek military strategies.
  • The victory at Marathon set a precedent for future Greek engagements with Persia, emboldening them to adopt more aggressive military strategies. It illustrated that a unified front could successfully repel even superior forces when leveraging local knowledge and superior tactics. The confidence gained from this battle contributed directly to subsequent victories at Salamis and Plataea, reinforcing Greek resolve and cooperation against external threats, ultimately shaping the course of Greek history.

Related terms

Persian Empire:

An ancient empire that was one of the largest in history, known for its vast territory and complex administrative system, which posed a significant threat to the independence of Greek city-states.

Pheidippides: A Greek messenger who is famous for running from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of the victory at the battle, which inspired the modern marathon race.

Athenian Phalanx: A military formation used by the Athenians, characterized by heavily armed infantrymen (hoplites) standing shoulder to shoulder, which proved effective in battle during this period.