Warfare > Battle of Marathon

Battle of Marathon

Background

The Battle of Marathon took place at the Greek city of Marathon and was waged between the Athenians on one side and the Achaemenid Empire on the other.

This battle is where the word "marathon" came to mean to run a long distance. According to the stories the legendary Greek runner Pheidippides running from Marathon to Sparta in order to request reinforcements. His feat of running a distance of 140 miles in 2 days was later where the word for the long distance race would come from.

Pheidippides giving word of victory after the Battle of Marathon - Luc-Olivier Merson (1869)

The Battle of Marathon, fought in September 490 BCE, was a crucial engagement during the first Persian invasion of Greece. The battle took place on the plain of Marathon, approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) northeast of Athens. This battle is one of the most famous in ancient history, highlighting the determination and military prowess of the Athenian forces, who were significantly outnumbered by the invading Persian army.

Background:

1. Persian Expansion:

   • Darius I: The Persian king Darius I sought to expand his empire and punish the Greek city-states, particularly Athens and Eretria, for their support of the Ionian Revolt (499-493 BCE). The Ionian Revolt had been a significant uprising by the Greek city-states of Asia Minor against Persian rule.
   • Invasion of Greece: In 490 BCE, Darius launched a punitive expedition against Greece. The Persian forces, commanded by generals Datis and Artaphernes, first captured the island of Naxos and then moved on to attack Eretria, which they successfully sacked.

2. Athenian Preparations:

   • Call for Aid: Recognizing the imminent threat, Athens sought help from its allies. The most significant response came from the city-state of Plataea, which sent around 1,000 soldiers to support Athens.
   • Miltiades: The Athenian general Miltiades, who had experience with Persian tactics from his time as a tyrant in the Persian-controlled Chersonese, played a key role in preparing the Athenian forces for battle.

Forces Involved:

1. Greek Forces:

   • Athenian Army: The Athenian force consisted of about 9,000 hoplites, heavily armed infantry soldiers. They were supported by the 1,000 Plataean hoplites.
   • Hoplite Equipment: The hoplites were equipped with a large round shield (aspis), a long spear (dory), and a short sword (xiphos). They wore bronze or linen armor and helmets.

2. Persian Forces:

   • Persian Army: Estimates of the Persian force vary, but it is generally believed to have been significantly larger than the Greek army, possibly numbering between 20,000 and 25,000 troops. The Persian forces included infantry, archers, and cavalry.
   • Persian Equipment: Persian infantry were lighter armed than the Greek hoplites, typically carrying wicker shields, short spears, and bows.

The Battle:

1. Strategic Positioning:

   • Plain of Marathon: The battle took place on the plain of Marathon, a flat area suitable for the deployment of the Persian cavalry. The Greeks, aware of the terrain's advantages and disadvantages, positioned themselves to negate the Persian cavalry's effectiveness.
   • Athenian Tactics: Miltiades devised a strategy to strengthen the flanks of the Athenian line while thinning the center. This formation aimed to envelop the Persian forces once the battle began.

2. Climactic Engagement:

   • Greek Charge: In an unprecedented move, the Greeks initiated the battle by charging at a run across the plain toward the Persian lines. This rapid advance minimized the time they were exposed to Persian archers.
   • Close Combat: The Greek hoplites engaged the Persian infantry in close combat. The stronger Greek flanks managed to push back the Persian wings, while the thinner Greek center held just long enough for the flanks to turn inward and encircle the Persian forces.

3. Outcome:

   • Persian Rout: The encircled Persian forces were routed, suffering heavy casualties. The Greeks pursued the fleeing Persians, inflicting further losses as they attempted to reach their ships.
   • Casualties: According to Herodotus, the Greeks lost 192 men, while Persian casualties were estimated at around 6,400. The exact numbers are debated, but the Persian losses were significantly higher than those of the Greeks.

Aftermath:

1. Strategic Impact:

   • Persian Withdrawal: The defeated Persian forces retreated to their ships and sailed away, abandoning their plans to capture Athens. This marked the end of the first Persian invasion of Greece.
   • Athenian Morale: The victory at Marathon greatly boosted Athenian morale and confidence. It demonstrated that the Persian Empire could be defeated and established Athens as a leading power in Greece.

2. Political and Cultural Consequences:

   • Heroic Legacy: The Battle of Marathon became a symbol of Greek courage and resistance against foreign domination. It was celebrated in Greek art, literature, and public memory.
   • Miltiades' Fame: Miltiades emerged as a hero of the battle, although his later career ended in disgrace after a failed campaign in the Cyclades. His leadership at Marathon, however, remained a key part of his legacy.

3. Long-term Significance:

   • Marathon's Legacy: The victory at Marathon had long-term implications for the Greek world. It set the stage for future conflicts between Greece and Persia, culminating in the second Persian invasion and the famous battles of Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea.
   • Marathon Run: The legend of the messenger Pheidippides running from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory inspired the modern marathon race, symbolizing endurance and determination.

Conclusion:

The Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE was a pivotal moment in ancient Greek history, marking the first major victory of the Greeks over the Persian Empire. From the Greek perspective, the battle showcased the effectiveness of the hoplite phalanx, the strategic genius of Miltiades, and the unity and courage of the Athenian and Plataean forces. The victory at Marathon not only halted the Persian invasion but also laid the foundation for the rise of Athens as a major power in the Greek world, influencing the course of Western history.

Sources

Greek Warfare