battle of marathon
Proper noun A significant military engagement that took place in 490 BC, where the Athenian army and their Plataean allies achieved a decisive victory over the invading forces of the Persian Empire. This battle is historically notable for halting the first Persian invasion of Greece.
The term "battle of Marathon" is used to refer specifically to this historical event. It is a proper noun and is typically capitalized.
Examples * The battle of Marathon is a classic example of a smaller, well-disciplined force defeating a much larger army. * Strategies employed during the battle of Marathon are still studied in military academies today. * A famous legend states that a messenger ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory, inspiring the modern marathon race.
- "The Marathon campaign": Sometimes used to refer to the broader military operations surrounding the battle, including the Persian landing and the subsequent Athenian response.
- Marathon (noun): The plain in Attica, Greece, where the battle was fought. By extension, it also refers to the long-distance running event inspired by the legend of the battle's messenger.
- Marathonian (adjective): Pertaining to Marathon or the battle.
- The Battle at Marathon
- The Marathon Conflict
- "The Persian Wars": The battle of Marathon was the first major battle in the series of conflicts known as the Greco-Persian Wars.
- "Greek hoplite warfare": The battle is a prime historical example of the effectiveness of the Greek hoplite phalanx formation.
- a battle in 490 BC in which the Athenians and their allies defeated the Persians