Battle of Marathon
490 BCE · Plain of Marathon (Attica) · World · Ancient
The Athenian hoplites strengthened both flanks to envelop the enemy and routed the Persian center.
Belligerents
Athenian coalition
- Commanders
- Miltiades, Callimachus
- Strength
- About 10,000 Athenians, 1,000 Plataeans
Persia
- Commanders
- Datis, Artaphernes
- Strength
- About 25,000 infantry and cavalry
Background
Persia's First Expedition against Greece, to punish Athens for supporting the Ionian Revolt.
Course of the battle
- Forming upAthens thinned its center and strengthened both flanks to face the enemy.
- ChargeThe hoplites charged at a run into the Persian army.
- EncirclementThe victorious flanks wheeled inward in a pincer attack on the center, routing it and driving it to the ships.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 490 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Plain of Marathon (Attica) |
| Result | The Athenian hoplites strengthened both flanks to envelop the enemy and routed the Persian center. |
| Winner | Athenian coalition |
| Casualties | Athens lost 192 killed in battle; Persia about 6,400. |
| Territorial change | Persia's first invasion of the Greek mainland was thwarted, and it withdrew. |
Impact
It proved that Greek hoplites could defeat the Persians head-on, boosting Greek confidence.
See the world in 490 BCE on the map →