Battle of Marathon Flashcards
Learn about the details of the Battle of Marathon
When did the Battle of Marathon happen?
490BC
Who was the former tyrant of Athens that General Mardonius was supposed to bring back to Persia?
Hippias. It was said that they would have used him to set up a pro Persian regime.
Which town was attacked by the Persian navy where the inhabitants were made prisoners?
Eretria. They were a Greek city that supported Greek rebels in Asia Minor.
Why was Marathon chosen as a location to fight? Give 2 reasons.
- It was the territory opposite to Athens
2. It was the best ground for cavalry to manoveure upon
Who did they send as a messenger to ask for reinforcements and from whom?
The messenger’s name was Pheidippides and he was sent to Sparta.
Who did Athens receive assistance from?
Plataea. They were an ally whom Athens had once helped against the Thebans.
Who was Miltiades and what did he do?
One of the Athenian generals. When it was his day to command, he received favourable omens and positioned the army so that the wings were stronger than the center.
According to Herodotus, how many men were lost on either side?
Athenians lost 192 men and the Persians lost 6400 men.
Give the description of a tactic that was used to defeat the Persians
Miltiades ordered the men to charge directly at the Persians to confuse them. Success!
What were the numbers of men involved in the Battle of Marathon?
Athenians = 9000
Plateans = 1000
Persians = 25 - 30,000 men
What was the aftermath of the Battle of Marathon? Give 5 outcomes.
- Most Persians retreated to their ships, arriving at Phaleron.
- Athenians were preparing for a second invasion.
- Persians realised that the Athenians could not be defeated with a surprise attack and so, retreated to Persia.
- Hippias never returned to Athens and the Spartans turned up when the party was over.
- Athens built a treasurt at Delphi, following the victory at Marathon.
