This battle of two empires became one of those famous military engagements. And also, it is one famous record of battles during the early times. The Greeks victory over those Persian invaders have given them the confidence on still believing to their continued existence in this world by defending themselves. This is one battle which was being considered as defining moment in developing the culture of Europeans.
In 490 BC, the Persians, having 600 ships and 20,000 cavalry and infantry approximately, had invaded the Greek soil which is very near to Athens. The mission is to crush all states of Greeks for the retaliation for support of the lonian cousins that revolted against the Persian rule. The Athens, undaunted, had mobilized a number of 10,000 warriors for defending their territory. These 2 armies then met on Marathon plain which is 26 miles from the north of Athens. This happening marks the start of Battle of Marathon.
The plain is surrounded by sea and many hills and is very ideal for Persian cavalry. One Greek general, Miltiades, has made a plea and has convinced the other generals to attack Persians. He then ordered their warriors in forming a line the same as the length of opponents. He also ordered the warriors to attack the line in dead run. But during the war, the middle line of Greeks had been weakened and have given way but their flanks engulfed and slaughtered the opponents that were being trapped. Ann estimated number of killed people were 6,400 Persians and 192 Greeks.
Remaining opponents have escaped immediately by the use of ships but still, they attempted on attacking those undefended Athens. When the war has not yet started, Athenian generals, according to their opinions, were divided. Some chooses to not take risks because they only acquire a few number people compared to their opponent.
There are also some generals who already have experiences in fighting. One of them is Miltiades. Upon seeing that the opinion were divided, he then asked the counsel to have a short conference with him at the polemarch. The polemarch is the dignitary of Athenians which is being honored.
In their conference, Miltiades said that if the troop is not going to fight, Athens will possibly have a great disturbance, thus, shaking the peoples resolution. And one thing which he really fears is to see their men submitting themselves. And if the troop will fight, he can assure the people that will overcome their enemies. By this words stated, he finally convinced the counsel and also their men to fight.
After the war, different explanations are stated for the Greeks victory. Some said that it is because they have better equipment and have superior tactics. But the equipment that they used are not made from bronze but from linen or leather. Other explanations also include the formation of phalanxes of Greeks is successful unlike soldiers of Persians.
On the other hand, the strategies of Persians were determined by the tactical considerations. So whatever is the event that causes the battle, it surely has altered the tactical or the strategic balance induced by Athenians for attacking the opponents. Aside from this, there are still other theories on these considerations.
At the Marathon, Athenian warriors had thinned their center so they can have an equal length with their opponent and not for tactical planning. In this time, the Persians realized that the wings are broken. Thus, they tried to recur, but they were caught by the Greek wings.
In 490 BC, the Persians, having 600 ships and 20,000 cavalry and infantry approximately, had invaded the Greek soil which is very near to Athens. The mission is to crush all states of Greeks for the retaliation for support of the lonian cousins that revolted against the Persian rule. The Athens, undaunted, had mobilized a number of 10,000 warriors for defending their territory. These 2 armies then met on Marathon plain which is 26 miles from the north of Athens. This happening marks the start of Battle of Marathon.
The plain is surrounded by sea and many hills and is very ideal for Persian cavalry. One Greek general, Miltiades, has made a plea and has convinced the other generals to attack Persians. He then ordered their warriors in forming a line the same as the length of opponents. He also ordered the warriors to attack the line in dead run. But during the war, the middle line of Greeks had been weakened and have given way but their flanks engulfed and slaughtered the opponents that were being trapped. Ann estimated number of killed people were 6,400 Persians and 192 Greeks.
Remaining opponents have escaped immediately by the use of ships but still, they attempted on attacking those undefended Athens. When the war has not yet started, Athenian generals, according to their opinions, were divided. Some chooses to not take risks because they only acquire a few number people compared to their opponent.
There are also some generals who already have experiences in fighting. One of them is Miltiades. Upon seeing that the opinion were divided, he then asked the counsel to have a short conference with him at the polemarch. The polemarch is the dignitary of Athenians which is being honored.
In their conference, Miltiades said that if the troop is not going to fight, Athens will possibly have a great disturbance, thus, shaking the peoples resolution. And one thing which he really fears is to see their men submitting themselves. And if the troop will fight, he can assure the people that will overcome their enemies. By this words stated, he finally convinced the counsel and also their men to fight.
After the war, different explanations are stated for the Greeks victory. Some said that it is because they have better equipment and have superior tactics. But the equipment that they used are not made from bronze but from linen or leather. Other explanations also include the formation of phalanxes of Greeks is successful unlike soldiers of Persians.
On the other hand, the strategies of Persians were determined by the tactical considerations. So whatever is the event that causes the battle, it surely has altered the tactical or the strategic balance induced by Athenians for attacking the opponents. Aside from this, there are still other theories on these considerations.
At the Marathon, Athenian warriors had thinned their center so they can have an equal length with their opponent and not for tactical planning. In this time, the Persians realized that the wings are broken. Thus, they tried to recur, but they were caught by the Greek wings.
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