MCQ Detailed View

The Battle of Marathon was fought in 490 B.C. between the forces of the city-state of Athens, aided by Plataea, and the Persian Empire under King Darius I. This battle was a key event in the early stages of the Greco-Persian Wars.

The conflict arose after the Ionian Revolt (499–493 B.C.), in which several Greek city-states rebelled against Persian rule. Although Athens supported the revolt, it was eventually crushed. Seeking revenge and wishing to expand Persian influence into mainland Greece, Darius launched a military expedition.

The Persian army landed at the Bay of Marathon, about 40 kilometers northeast of Athens. The Athenians, under generals such as Miltiades, faced a numerically superior enemy. Rather than waiting for reinforcements from Sparta (delayed due to a religious festival), the Athenians chose to attack. Employing innovative tactics — including a strengthened phalanx formation on the wings — they overwhelmed the Persians, forcing them to retreat to their ships.

The victory at Marathon was significant for several reasons:

1. 
   

   Psychological boost – It shattered the myth of Persian invincibility.

   
   


2. 
   

   Preservation of Greek independence – Had Persia won, much of Greece might have fallen under Persian control decades earlier.

   
   


3. 
   

   Inspiration for future resistance – It set the stage for later Greek victories at Salamis and Plataea.

   
   


4. 
   

   Cultural legacy – The legendary run of the messenger Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens (about 42 km) inspired the modern marathon race.

   
   

Therefore, the correct answer is 490 B.C., marking one of the most celebrated military victories in ancient history.