Battle of Marathon Trivia Questions

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

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

True. Though the story is partly myth, it’s the basis for the marathon race; Herodotus says he ran 150 miles to Sparta first.

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.

True. The hoplites ran to minimize exposure to Persian archers, a tactic that shocked the enemy and led to a decisive flank attack.

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

True. The exiled former tyrant Hippias advised the Persians on the landing site, hoping to regain power in Athens.