1. Battle of Marathon (490 BCE)
The Battle of Marathon, fought in 490 BCE, was a pivotal conflict during the first Persian invasion of Greece. The Athenian army, led by General Miltiades, faced a Persian force of approximately 25,000 men (nationalgeographic.com). Utilizing innovative tactics, the Greeks achieved a decisive victory, repelling the Persians and preserving Greek independence. This triumph not only safeguarded Athens but also laid the foundation for the flourishing of democracy and Western philosophy. The effectiveness of the hoplite phalanx demonstrated at Marathon inspired future European resistance against external conquest.
