⚔️📍 Marathon, Greece490 BC
Battle of Marathon — Athens Defeats Persian Empire
An outnumbered Athenian army defeated a Persian landing force at Marathon, routing them back to their ships. The Athenians ran 26 miles to Athens afterward to announce the victory before a Persian fleet could land there — the origin of the marathon race.
Marathon preserved Greek civilization from Persian conquest and enabled the golden age of Athens that produced democracy, philosophy, drama, and the foundations of Western culture.
Outcome
Greek victory; 6,400 Persians killed; Athens saved
Casualties
6,650