The Truth Behind Who Really Won The Battle Of Marathon

When we think of the Battle of Marathon, the first image that comes to mind is undoubtedly the victorious Athenian soldiers, celebrating their triumph over the Persian invaders. However, history is often more complex than the stories that have been passed down through the generations. In this article, we will delve deeper into the events surrounding the Battle of Marathon and shed light on the true victors of this historic clash.

The Setting

Set in 490 BC, the Battle of Marathon was a pivotal moment in ancient Greek history. The Persian Empire, under the leadership of King Darius I, sought to expand its dominance by invading Greece. The Athenians, along with their allies from the city of Plataea, stood in the way of the advancing Persian forces.

Who Really Won the Battle of Marathon?: A Bold Re-appraisal of One of History's Most Famous Battles

by Andrew Goldsmith(Kindle Edition)

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The battle took place in the plains of Marathon, just a short distance northeast of Athens. The Athenians, led by their generals Miltiades and Callimachus, faced a formidable Persian army commanded by the nobleman Datis. Despite being considerably outnumbered, Miltiades planned a strategic maneuver that would forever change the outcome of the battle.

The Strategy

Miltiades devised a plan to attack the Persians head-on, aiming to break through their center while keeping the wings weak. However, it was an audacious plan that carried a considerable risk. The Athenians knew that if their plan failed, it could spell disaster for their city-state.

As the battle unfolded, the Athenians pushed forward with unwavering determination. Their hoplites, heavily armored infantrymen, fought valiantly, utilizing their superior discipline and training. The Persian forces, caught off guard by the Athenian assault, struggled to maintain their formation.

The Turning Point

At a critical moment in the battle, the center of the Persian line weakened. Sensing this vulnerability, Miltiades ordered a swift change in strategy. Instead of pushing through the center, he instructed his troops to create a gap in the Athenian line and encircle the Persians from both sides.

This unexpected move caught the Persians by surprise. The Athenians closed in on their enemies, inflicting heavy casualties in the process. The Persians, in disarray, attempted to retreat to their ships but were pursued by the Athenians, who proved to be more nimble on the battlefield.

Debunking the Myth

The popular version of the story presents the Athenians as the clear victors, having successfully repelled the Persian invaders. However, recent interpretations of the battle have shed a different light on the outcome. While the Athenians undoubtedly played a crucial role, it is now believed that the real heroes of Marathon were the Plataeans.

The Plataeans, a lesser-known city-state at the time, fought side by side with the Athenians. Their contribution to the battle was often overshadowed by the Athenians' glory. However, without the Plataeans' resilience and unwavering support, the outcome of the battle might have been very different.

Reflecting on the Legacy

The Battle of Marathon holds great significance in shaping the course of Western civilization. It marked a rare instance in which an outnumbered force emerged victorious against an empire of immense power. The Athenians' triumph displayed the potential of democracy and its ability to motivate and unite a society during challenging times.

As we look back at the Battle of Marathon, let us not forget the role played by the Plataeans. History, often shaped by those who recount it, can sometimes overshadow the true accounts of events. It is important to delve deeper into the details and acknowledge the contributions of all those involved.