The Battle of Marathon, 490 BC
The Battle of Marathon, 490 BC The battle of Marathon is one of history's most famous military engagements. It is also one of the earliest recorded battles. In September of 490 BC a Persian armada of 600 ships disgorged an invasion force of approximately 20,000 infantry and cavalry on Greek soil just north of Athens. Undaunted by the numerical superiority of the invaders, Athens mobilized 10,000 hoplite warriors to defend their territory. One of the Greek generals - Miltiades - made a passionate plea for boldness and convinced his fellow generals to attack the Persians. The remaining Persians escaped on their ships and made an attempt to attack what they thought was an undefended Athens. Known as the "Father of History", Herodotus wrote his description of the battle a few years after it occurred. "The Athenians were drawn up in order of battle in a sacred close belonging to Heracles, when they were joined by the Plataeans, who came in full force to their aid.
Everyday Life in Ancient Greece, 4th Century BC
Everyday Life in Ancient Greece Centered within a loose collection of city-states (often at war with one another), ancient Greek culture reached its pinnacle during the fourth century BC - an era described as its "Golden Age." Art, theater, music, poetry, philosophy, and political experiments such as democracy flourished. Greek influence stretched along the northern rim of the Mediterranean from the shores of Asia Minor to the Italian peninsula. In Athens, society was male-dominated - only men could be citizens and only upper-class males enjoyed a formal education. Most homes were modest, windowless and wrapped around a courtyard. Xenophon was a pupil of Socrates. "Why, then, Socrates, my habit is to rise from bed betimes, when I may still expect to find at home this, that, or the other friend whom I may wish to see. After this, usually I mount my horse and take a canter.
The Suicide of Socrates, 399 BC
The Suicide of Socrates, 399 BC On a day in 399 BC the philosopher Socrates stood before a jury of 500 of his fellow Athenians accused of "refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state" and of "corrupting the youth." If found guilty; his penalty could be death. Socrates was 70 years old and familiar to most Athenians. After hearing the arguments of both Socrates and his accusers, the jury was asked to vote on his guilt. The jurors were next asked to determine Socrates' penalty. The philosopher was taken to the near-by jail where his sentence would be carried out. Plato was Socrates' most famous student. "When Crito heard, he signaled to the slave who was standing by. 'Just drink it and walk around until your legs begin to feel heavy, then lie down. The latter took it quite cheerfully without a tremor, with no change of color or expression. The answer came, 'We allow reasonable time in which to drink it.' He said, 'You are strange fellows; what is wrong with you?
Alexander Defeats The Persians, 331 BC
Alexander Defeats The Persians, 331 BC Alexander began his war against the Persians in 334 BC. At the time the Macedonian leader was twenty-two years old. At his death eleven years later, Alexander ruled the largest empire of the ancient world. His victory at the battle of Gaugamela on the Persian plains was a decisive conquest that insured the defeat of his Persian rival King Darius III. Darius was prepared for battle having selected this spot to meet his enemy. After his defeat at Issus two years previously, Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics - particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots. The following description of the battle of Gaugamela was written by the Greek historian Arrian in the second century AD. "When the armies drew near each other, Darius and the men especially around him were observed opposite Alexander himself and his royal squadron of cavalry.
