Battle of Marathon Trivia Questions

False. The Greeks decisively won, killing about 6,400 Persians while losing only 192 Athenians; Persia retreated back to Asia.

Correct. It occurred in September 490 BC, with Athens and Plataea facing the invading Persian forces of Darius I.

True. The legend of Pheidippides running from Marathon to Athens to announce victory, though likely mythical, is the basis for the modern marathon race.

False. Modern estimates suggest roughly 25,000–30,000 Persians; the ancient claim of 600,000 is hugely exaggerated.

False. Darius I ordered the invasion, but the commanders were Datis and Artaphernes; Xerxes led the later invasion in 480 BC.

The battle, part of the first Persian invasion of Greece, ended with a surprising Athenian triumph despite being outnumbered, a pivotal moment in Greco-Persian Wars.

Hippias, the exiled ex-tyrant of Athens, guided the Persians to land at Marathon because it was suitable for cavalry and close to Athens. This occurred before the battle, not after.

False. Athens had no cavalry at Marathon at all; their army was exclusively hoplite infantry and light troops.