Battle Of Marathon Analysis

The epic and historic Battle of Marathon took place, almost 2500 years ago, 25 miles’ northeast of the present-day capital city of Greece, Athens, on the plains of Marathon. The adversaries were none other than the city-state of Athens (Athenians), and the powerful Army of Darius, the King of Persia (Persians). Darius sent his Army to subjugate Athenians and punish them for their alleged involvement in the burning and destruction of Sardis, the then capital city of Persia. The Persians were a far superior force. They had the numbers and the weaponry.

The Athenians, in contrast, were less in number and less equipped. What makes this battle epic and significant, is that despite all the odds, the Athenians won, and the Persians lost. The battle itself is one of history’s most memorable. It is also the earliest battle with a recorded history. In his book, Marathon: How One Battle Changed Western Civilization, Richard Billows argues, and rightfully, that the Battle of Marathon was a crucial point in European Civilization. Had Darius managed to crush Athens and win, the culture, history, and

No two historians would disagree that the Persians had the cavalry advantage. However, they could not use that capability effectively because of the marshes that surrounded the battlefield.

For the battle itself, most historians hold true that the Athenians attacked first. Some historical sources indicate that the distance between the two armies at the point of battle had narrowed to a distance not less than 1,500 meters. A notable Greek or Athenian general was Miltiades. Initially, due their numerous disadvantages, the Athenians were hesitant to attack. Observing this, Miltiades, took the lead. He pleaded with his fellow commanders to be brave, to show no fear. He motivated his officers