The Persian Wars

Marathon - Results

The casualties give an indication as to the nature of the victory: 6,400 Persians died at Marathon, and only 192 Athenians. The Greek dead were buried on the Plain of Marathon, where the mound is still pointed out to tourists, nearly three thousand years later.

Athens gained tremendous prestige from this victory, not least because she fought almost alone. The myth of Persian invincibility was broken. But both sides knew that the issue was not yet settled.

Miltiades, the hero of Marathon, lead an expedition that failed the next year (489), trying to drive the Persians out of Thrace. He died of wounds, in disgrace for having lost. This was typical of Athens--very fickle in regard to their leaders.

After a few years, leadership of the war party was taken over by Themistocles, who had a different military vision. Instead of the army, Themistocles urged that Athens place her faith in the navy. This was a fateful change of policy, for it lead Athens to becoming a great sea power.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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