It is universally acknowledged that Greek culture forms the basis of our Western culture. They excelled at most everything from art to warfare. It is in warfare where a series of remarkable victories occurred.
In 500 B.C., Persia pretty much ruled the entire Middle East and the Western world. That is except for minuscule Greece. It is often in history that an underdog pulls of a spectacular victory. However it has never happened that the underdog pulls off four consecutive wins over a six year period.
The Greeks won the battle of MARATHON (victory #1 ).
After winning, their runner ran from Marathon village back to Athens 26-plus miles in what has now become the famous “marathon run”. A few years later, the Persians led by their king (Xerses) came to Greece in force. They captured and burned Athens.
Then the Greeks defeated the Persian fleet at the battle of SALAMIS (victory #2) at which time their king (Xerses) made a quick exit now that Greece controlled the seas. However, the Persians left a large army in Greece under command of the king’s son in law, Mardonious.
The following spring, there occurred just north of Athens the great land battle of PLATAEA. Once again, the Greeks were victorious (victory #3). Mardonious, the king’s son in law, was killed.
The remnants of the Persian fleet scurried for safety. They were pursued by the Greek fleet and destroyed at MYKALE (victory #4). Never again was Greece threatened by Persia.
Theodore Theodorsen
Manhasset
