What war maneuver did Athens use in the “Battle of Marathon” that proved their victory over Sparta?
As one clarification, the Battle of Marathon was the Athenians against the Persians, not against the Spartans. In fact, the so-called “marathon” run was so that the Athenians could summon Spartan reinforcements to face the overwhelming Persian forces. Although traditional enemies, the Spartans and Athenians both agreed in their dislike of the powerful Persian empire. Things are hazy when we talk about explicit tactics, because all we have is historical relations of the story, and the simple truth is that these historical accounts are shaky at best. But here’s what we know, as best we know. The first important piece of information is that after 5 days of negotiations, the Persians attacked – but by that time the Persian cavalry had left. No one knows exactly why. The Suda dictionary states in it’s entry for “χωρίς ἰππεῖς” (=without cavalry), “The cavalry left. When Datis surrendered and was ready for retreat, the Ionians climbed the trees and gave the Athenians the signal that the caval
As one clarification, the Battle of Marathon was the Athenians against the Persians, not against the Spartans. In fact, the so-called “marathon” run was so that the Athenians could summon Spartan reinforcements to face the overwhelming Persian forces. Although traditional enemies, the Spartans and Athenians both agreed in their dislike of the powerful Persian empire. Things are hazy when we talk about explicit tactics, because all we have is historical relations of the story, and the simple truth is that these historical accounts are shaky at best. But here’s what we know, as best we know. The first important piece of information is that after 5 days of negotiations, the Persians attacked – but by that time the Persian cavalry had left. No one knows exactly why. The Suda dictionary states in it’s entry for “χωρίς ἰππεῖς” (=without cavalry), “The cavalry left. When Datis surrendered and was ready for retreat, the Ionians climbed the trees and gave the Athenians the signal that the caval
