In this episode of the Monday Morning General podcast, Brendon and Bjorn discuss the strategic buildup to the pivotal first battle between Greece and Persia at Marathon in 490 BC. 

They provide historical context on the vast Persian Empire under Darius the Great and the collection of independent Greek city-states led by Athens. The recap the Ionian Revolt that sparked the conflict, as the tyrant of Miletus tried to save himself from Persian retribution. Hear details on Darius's vow of revenge after the revolt and his failed attempts to conquer Greece. Learn how he captured and burned Eretria before landing his army on the beaches of Marathon. 

Tune in to find out what tactics and strategies were employed in this famous clash and how it shaped the course of Western civilization. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode analyzing the battle itself!

Introduction:

Brendon and Bjorn discuss the strategic factors leading up to the first battle between Persia and Greece at Marathon in 490 BC.

Persia Before Marathon:

- Empire stretches from Anatolia to India under Darius the Great by 500 BC

- Recently conquered Ionian Greeks on the coast of Asia Minor

Greece Before Marathon:

- Athens experiments with democracy but goes through periods of tyranny/oligarchy

- Other Greek city-states organize separately but share culture

Ionian Revolt Backstory:

- Ionian Greeks settle Asia Minor coast as colonies but come under Lydian and then Persian rule

- Tyrant of Miletus tries and fails to conquer Naxos, owing debts to Persians

- Launches revolt to save himself, brings Athens and Eretria into alliance

The Ionian Revolt:

- Capture Sardis temporarily but fail to take citadel, lower city burns

- Defeated at Ephesus, rebellion ends, Ionia subjugated again

- Athens and Eretria Punished:

Darius vows revenge, shoots symbolic arrow at sky

- Mardonius campaign in 492 forces submission of all except Athens/Sparta

- Second expedition in 490 captures Eretria, forces landing at Marathon