Marathon 390 BC (C&C Ancients)

Historical Background: King Darius I of Persia sent an expedition against Athens in reprisal for the burning of Sardes in 498 BC during the failed Ionian Revolt. The Persian fleet under the joint command of Datis and Artaphernes landed near Marathon bay, which offered a perfect battleground for their troops. The Athenians marched out to face the enemy in the field, with 1000 allied soldiers from Plataea supplementing the Athenian force of 9000. The Persians outnumbered the Greeks, but to counter the disparity, Callimachus extended the Greek line to match the enemy, thinning the center while keeping both wings at full strength. The Persian army, with its best troops in the center, was taken by surprise when the Athenians attacked. Historians suggest that the some of the Persian cavalry was in the process of embarking back onto the ships when the attack started. In the battle the Persian center got the best of the weak Greek center and broke through, but this success was more than countered by the defeat of their two wings.

The victorious Athenians then swung inwards and the Persian force was routed back to their ships. Concerned that the defeated Persians might still sail around to threaten Athens, Pheidippides ran the 26 miles back to Athens with news of the victory, running first Marathon race. Greece was safe, for now.

The Athenians advance on the Persian position. (Athenians 0, Persians 0)

The Persian center pushes back the Athenian center with missile fire, while the Athenian right begins pushing back the Persian left. (Athenians 0, Persians 0)

The Athenians push back against both flanks. (Athenians 1, Persians 0)

Artaphernes leads a cavalry charge to strike back against the Athenian left. The centers of both side clash. (Athenians 2, Persians 1)

The Athenian left drives off the Persian cavalry, while most of the Athenian center is driven off. (Athenians 3, Persians 3)

The Athenian left continues its assault on the Persian right, killing Artaphernes. (Athenians 4, Persians 3)

The Persian center surges forward and routs what remains of the Athenian center, Miltades is separated from his troops. (Athenians 4, Persians 5)

The Athenian right desperately strikes at the Persian left with some results, while the Persians continues their mop up with the Athenian left. Demoralized by their heavy losses, the Athenians are forced to withdraw, giving the Persians a close victory. (Athenians 5, Persians 6)