Marathon: How One Battle Changed Western Civilization

By: Richard A. Billows

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Synopsis: The Battle of Marathon in 490 B. C. E. is not only the most decisive event in the struggle between the Greeks and the Persians-showing the Greeks the seemingly invincible Persians could be defeated-but, arguably a defining event for Western civilization. Richard A. Billows fully creates the atmosphere of the times and the heat of battle. Key players include the Athenian general Miltiades, who was the first to fully utilize an outfitted hoplite phalanx and who developed the groundbreaking tactics that defeated the Persian army. The legend of the Greek messenger Philippides running twenty-six miles from Marathon to Athens with the news of the Greek victory is the inspiration for our modern-day marathon race. Billows suggests, however, that the sources argue it was the entire Greek army, after fierce fighting, which marched at a rapid speed back to defend Athens. Richard A. Billows engrossingly captures the drama of the day of battle and convincingly demonstrates the flowering of classical Greek culture-and its extraordinary influence on Western culture-would almost certainly not have occurred had not the Athenians, against the odds, defeated the Persians at Marathon. Book jacket.