Ep 4. Marathon

The episode Marathon from season 1 of Decisive Battles takes us back in time to 490 BC, the year the Persian Empire attempted to conquer Greece. The Persian army, led by King Darius I's son, King Xerxes I, marched towards Athens, seeking to avenge a previous defeat at the hands of the Athenian army. The Greeks, led by the general Miltiades, gathered their armies to face the advancing Persians.

The episode introduces us to the two armies and their respective strengths and weaknesses. The Persian army was massive, comprising of over 100,000 men, while the Greek army was significantly smaller, numbering approximately 10,000. The Persian army was well-equipped with archers, cavalry, and heavily armed infantry, while the Greek army consisted mostly of hoplites armed with spears and shields.

As the episode progresses, we witness the two armies engage in battle. The first skirmish between the opposing forces saw the Persian cavalry charge towards the Greeks, but the heavily armored Greek phalanx held firm and repelled the attack. The next phase of the battle was a series of exchanges between archers from both sides, but the Greeks were superior in this regard due to their javelin-throwing abilities.

The episode then highlights the decisive moment of the battle, the moment that gave the episode its name - Marathon. The Persian army tried to outflank the Greek army by marching towards the undefended city of Athens. Miltiades, the general of the Greek army, realized the Persians were stretching themselves thin and took a bold decision to attack the Persian army's center instead of defending Athens. While this move left the Greeks exposed on the flanks, it allowed them to focus their strength on the Persian center.

The Greek army launched a fierce charge at the Persian front lines, breaking their ranks and causing chaos in their formation. The Persian archers could not get a clear shot at the Greek hoplites due to their close formation, while the Greek javelin men were able to take out many Persian archers. The Persian cavalry, wary of the Greeks' ability to repel their attacks, refrained from attacking and began retreating, causing further chaos in the Persian army.

With the Persian army in disarray, the Greeks continued their attack and pursued the retreating Persians towards the sea. The Persians suffered heavy casualties, while the Greeks only lost a few hundred men. The episode ends with the Greeks victorious in the battle of Marathon, with a feeling of relief after the harrowing ordeal.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to expert analysis and insights from historians and military experts, who provide context to the battle and highlight the importance of key decisions made by the respective generals. We also get to view detailed recreations of the battle using computer-generated graphics, which transport us back in time and help us visualize the battle better.

In conclusion, the episode Marathon from season 1 of Decisive Battles is an excellent account of one of the most important battles of ancient times. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both armies and provides insights into the tactics employed by their respective generals. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in ancient history, military history, or just classic tales of heroism and courage.