Published to coincide with Marathon's 2500th anniversary, a riveting
history of the historic battle.
The Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. is not only understood as the most
decisive event in the struggle between the Greeks and the Persians, but
can also be seen as perhaps the most significant moment in our
collective history.
10,000 Athenian citizens faced a Persian military force of more than
25,000. A Greek victory appeared impossible, but the men of Athens were
tenacious and the Persians were defeated. Following the battle, the
Athenian hoplite army ran 26.5 miles from Marathon to Athens to defend
their port from the Persian navy. Although they had just run the great
distance in heavy armor, the Athenians won the battle and drove the
Persian forces from Attica. Greek freedom ensued and the achievements of
the culture became much of the basis for Western civilization.
In this comprehensive and engrossing treatment, Richard Billows captures
the drama of that day 2500 years ago and the ramifications it has had
throughout Western history.
The accompanying reference guide is included as a PDF on this disc.
