In the history of many countries of the world, there are landmark battle, which become a kind of symbol for future generations.For Russia, this Borodino and Stalingrad, France - lifting of the siege of Orleans, for the Serbs - the Battle of Kosovo.Such a role for the Greeks played a marathon battle.Summary of the causes and consequences of this battle will be discussed below.Winning this battle will not only allow the Greeks to defend their independence, but also to create conditions conducive to further their consolidation into a single force to an external threat.
Background conflict
In the VI century BC on the territory of the Middle East formed the major powers of the time - the Persian Empire.In a number of wars over a relatively short period of time she has won and won such great states as Media, Babylon, Lydia and Egypt.Persians were captured as many Greek city-states located on the territory of Asia Minor, in modern Turkey.
in 499 BC.e.These policies have rebelled against Persian rule.They have substantial support Athens, which by that time, due to a number of prominent public figures, carry out democratic reforms, began to play the most important political and economic role among the Greek city-states.
But the revolt was still crushed the Persian army.And for themselves Persians interference in the affairs of the empire of Athens was a good reason for the expansion of the organization in the Balkans, on the capture of which they have long dreamed of.
beginning of the war in 492 on the orders of the Persian king Darius I was subdued Thrace - a country located at the borders of Greece.Then the master of the Empire sent an ultimatum to all the city-states of Greece, demanded to recognize his rule.Almost all of the policies of Greece, fearing the power of the Persians, humbly complied with this requirement, except for the freedom of Athens and Sparta.
Deciding to punish the Athenians for obstinacy, sent Darius I in 490 BC.e.for their conquest of the expedition, led by the son of his sister Artafernom.The Persians conquered the island easily Nakosos and landed in Euboea - the island, where there was a union Athens Eretria.During the siege of heavy troops Darius managed to grab this policy by using a betrayal of the local residents.The city was looted succumbed to cruel, and its inhabitants were enslaved.
Then Persian force sailed towards Attica - Greek region, where they were located Athens.There they landed near the small town of Marathon.It is here that there was a significant battle of Marathon to the Greeks.Date 12 September 490 BC.e.They really began to sign.
Before the battle
When the Athenians learned of the landing forces of Darius near their town, they immediately sent the army to meet them.It was quite unexpected for a decision of the Persians, because they thought that the comparatively small army siege of Athens prefer to keep the walls of the city, and not to meet with them in excess of the number of the enemy in the open field.
However, the Greeks themselves did not immediately have taken this decision, despite the fact that the Athenians came to help residents pay.But the commander Miltiades persuaded Kallimaha Supreme Commander of the need for this step.His eloquent speech to convince, and other strategists did not wait for the troops of the Spartans, that was soon to come to the rescue, and as early as possible to begin the fight, went down in history as the Battle of Marathon.The plan was to surprise.At the general council of commanders in the upcoming battle was charged Miltiades.
enemy forces
According to historians, the Greek army consisted of 000 Athenians 9000-10 and 1,000 Plataeans.The main force of the Hellenic hoplites troops were organized in a phalanx.Split a system consisting of a disciplined and experienced warriors, it was extremely difficult.On the right flank the Greek army placed hoplites led by Callimachus in the center - the warriors of Athens and Phil Antiohidy Leontidy, led, respectively, of Themistocles and Aristides, the future hero of Salamis naval battle, and the left wing are thousands Plataeans.
Far more numerous were the Persian army.According to experts, it consisted of 25,000 foot soldiers and a thousand horsemen.Although ancient historians to gloss over the victory of the Greeks in 200 leading figures and even 600 thousand.But the qualitative composition of the Persian army was much worse than in Athens, because it, unlike the monolithic Greek phalanx, consisted of a fairly disparate departments and different tribes.Not all of them were properly equipped.In addition, the Greeks were much more motivated, because they fought for their freedom and land, in contrast to Persian warriors going to war for the sake of the interests of the king.
Battle of Marathon battle began with the rapid onset of the Greeks.Separates them from the Persians and a half kilometers, they literally ran, though it seems unlikely, because the Athenian hoplites were heavily armed soldiers.
first most powerful central part of the Persian host pressed troops and Phil Antiohidy Leontidy, and began their pursuit.But the Hellenic Army were quite strong flanks, while the Persians, they were composed of loosely organized and poorly armed tribes.For this reason, in these areas and Plataeans Athenians celebrated their victory over the enemy.But, unlike the Persians, they began to chase fleeing enemy, and turned their weapons against the center of the army of Darius.Thus, in this area the Greeks managed to achieve a decisive superiority of forces.This maneuver turned into panic all the Persian army, and it began to flee to their ships.
At this time, the Greeks did not stop the persecution and rushed in pursuit of the combat system is completely lost by the enemy.As a result, except for a set of dead, it was captured seven Persian ships, and Greeks have completed a full marathon victory battle.Driving this significant battle is below.
results battles
Athenians together with residents to pay, of course, won the battle of Marathon.Miltiades plan has fully justified itself.About this have serious historians do not exist different points of view.But the number of victims to estimates vary considerably.But
reasonably challenge the figures given almost a contemporary of those events - Herodotus, due to lack of appropriate material and documentary base, no one can.He says about 192 killed 6,400 Greeks and Persians.And among the dead Greeks were such famous personalities as Callimachus and Kinegir.
Running at the cost of life
as soon as the battle of Marathon, the Greeks sent a messenger to Athens Evkla with the good news of the triumph.He was so eager to please their fellow citizens that ran 40 kilometers separating Marathon from his native city, literally in one breath.On reaching the town square, he said residents of the policy of the victory and then died of a heart attack.
However, the historical accuracy of this legend is rather doubtful, but one of the most popular athletic disciplines, namely cross-42.195 km marathon call.
value of the Battle of Marathon Battle of Marathon
not put an end to the aspirations of the Persians to gain a foothold in the Balkans, in particular to conquer Greece.It is only 10 years has postponed the plan when even more numerous army of Xerxes, son of Darius invaded Greece.But it was the memory of this victory inspired the Greeks to the hopeless then seemed to drag.Marathon battle showed that even small forces can defeat the large but poorly organized army of invaders.
memory of the battle of Marathon
memory of this victory does not lose relevance for millennia.Such an important place in the hearts of the Greeks occupied the Marathon battle.The date of his has always been sacred to the Greeks.But this battle was significant not just for one nation, it was important for the history of the world.This may indicate at least that in any school textbook on the history of ancient illuminated marathon battle.5 class in Russian schools required to study the topic in the course of history.Every educated person should know about the event.
Now only the obelisk says that in the place where now stands the hill when something happened Marathon battle.Photos of the plaque can be seen below.
memory of the Battle of Marathon is in the heart of every person who is ready to give his life for the freedom and independence of the Motherland.
