The Battle of Marathon was a famous ancient battle in 490 BC where a much smaller Greek force defeated a Persian invasion near the town of Marathon.
Greek side, Mainly soldiers from Athens led by the general Miltiades Persian side: Forces of the Achaemenid Persian Empire sent by King Darius I. The Persians landed near Marathon to punish Athens for supporting a revolt against Persian rule. The Athenians (with a small ally force) chose to attack first. Greek hoplites used tight shield formations and a clever tactic, they strengthened their wings and pushed back the Persian center, then surrounded it. The Persians retreated to their ships after heavy losses. It stopped the first Persian attempt to conquer mainland Greece. It boosted Greek confidence and became a symbol of defending freedom against a larger empire. The legendary run from Marathon to Athens to announce victory inspired today’s marathon race tradition.
Marathon race is on Sunday 8 November 2026
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