- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
I have started to write about the battle and I thought that I would see what you guys thought of what I have writen so far. Now remember this is not done is has only been edited a few times, also I'm 13, so if it seems to drag on a little just remember that.
The Battle Of Marathon
Date of Battle:
11th or 21st of September 490 B.C.
Forces (from Many sources)
Athenian and Allied Forces
Athenian: 9,000-10,000
Plataean: 600-1,000
Commanders: Callimachus, Miltiades
Persian Forces
Persian: 80,000-200,000
Commander: Datis
The lines of battle
The Persians had presumably drawn up for the battle first with five regiments
(Hazarabam) of 1,000 men per regiment on the right wing, one regiment of Persians and two regiments of Sakai in the center, and five regiments of 1,000 men per regiment on the left wing.
But the Persians had only deployed part of their army to engage the Athenian army. The bulk of the Persian force had been loaded onto the ships and was to embark for Athens to capture the city while the Athenian army was away, busy on the battle field.
Now since the Athenians had much smaller numbers than the Persians their line was to be shorter during the battle, but had come up with a new formation for the Athenian line. It consisted of 4,000 men on the right flank consisting of the Athenian tribes Erechthis, Kekropis, Aigeis, and 1,000 men from Platea.
The centre on the other hand was half as strong as the flanks so there would be more men to make the flanks stronger and longer. It consisted of the Athenian tribal regiments Leontis and Antiochis with 1,000 men each. And on the left flank there were four Athenian tribal regiments from the tribes Oineis, Hippothontis, Akamantis, and Aiantis.
Now everything was ready for the battle.
The Battle
It was morning 490 B.C. The field was silent and ready. The lines had been drawn up. The sacrifices were favorable. And then the Athenians started to march toward the Persian lines. When they were in range of the Persian archers (200 Meters) they sprinted toward the Persians in full body armour to battle. The Persians must have thought it crazy that the Athenians would do this in full body armour with no cavalry, no archers, and in very small numbers.
But the Persians had no time to think because the Athenians were on them in a mater of moments.
That's all that I have so far, so some constructive Criticism would be greatly Appreciated.