History Daily — “The Battle of Marathon”

Host: Lindsey Graham
Date: September 12, 2025
Episode Theme:
This episode takes listeners back to September 12, 490 BC, recounting the events, key players, and legacies of the legendary Battle of Marathon—a pivotal clash that would shape the course of Western civilization by preserving Athenian independence against the Persian Empire.

Episode Overview

Lindsey Graham narrates the dramatic build-up to and showdown at the Battle of Marathon. Moving from the ashes of the Ionian revolt through the devastation of Eretria and culminating in the near-mythic feats at Marathon, the episode weaves together political intrigue, military strategy, legendary figures, and modern legacies. Vivid storytelling thrusts listeners onto ancient battlefields and into the hearts of those who risked everything for the fate of Greece.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Seeds of Conflict: The Ionian Revolt and Persian Expansion

• Background:

  • The Greek city-states of Ionia revolted against the Persian Empire after decades of subjugation. They received direct support from Athens and Eretria (00:25–05:35).
  • The revolt fails spectacularly at the Battle of Lade, tightening Persia’s grip further.
  • Darius the Great, the Persian king, aims not only to punish these rebellious cities but to conquer all of Greece.
  • Quote:

    “Our affairs stand on a razor’s edge, whether we are to be free men or whether we are to be slaves.”
    — Dionysius, rallying Greek troops before the Battle of Lade (00:25)

• Darius’s Empire and Motivation:

  • Darius sits atop the world’s largest empire. Athens’ democratic ideals threaten Persian autocracy.
  • Athens' support for revolt is both ideological and strategic: “Rule of the people…directly opposed to the Persian model of tyranny.” (05:35–07:10)

The First Persian Campaign Falters

• Persian Advance Under Mardonius:
  • Mardonius, Darius’ son-in-law, is tasked with conquering as much Greek territory as possible (05:35–11:24).
  • Initial successes across Thrace, Macedonia, and Thasos, but the campaign is crippled by storms and local attacks, losing half the fleet and manpower.
  • Ultimately, some Greek city-states capitulate, but Athens and Eretria stand firm—and on their refusal, Darius sets his sights on destroying them.

The Destruction of Eretria

• Siege and Aftermath:
  • Persian forces quickly overpower Eretria, “marauding the streets… razed temples to the ground… slaughtered civilians and abducted women and children.”
  • Vivid Moment:

    “A young girl wanders through the streets, her face covered in blood and soot...wondering if anybody else survived.” (13:07)

Athens Prepares for Invasion

• Athenian Mobilization:

  • Athens hastily assembles its forces, led by the experienced general Miltiades, and sets camp near Marathon (13:07–14:51).
  • Miltiades understands Persian tactics, having fought as a vassal under them; he believes “the gods must be on their side to win.”

• Greek Strategy and Desperation:

  • The Athenians wait and hope for Spartan reinforcements.
  • The Dash to Sparta: Pheidippides’ legendary run—he covers 300+ miles in 36 hours to seek aid, only to be refused as the Spartans are engaged in a religious festival.

• Leadership Under Pressure:

  • When generals waver, Miltiades convinces commander Callimachus not to retreat:

    “With you it rests, Callimachus, either to bring Athens to slavery, or by securing her freedom to be remembered by all future generations.”
    — Miltiades to Callimachus (16:02)

The Battle of Marathon (18:59–22:07)

• Battlefield Tactics:

  • Miltiades devises a risky strategy: “deliberately weakened the midsection of his army and overloaded the flanks.”
  • If the center broke, the army would be doomed, but with luck and discipline, the Greeks might surround and rout the Persians.

• Decisive Moments:

  • The Greek phalanx withstands the Persian assault just long enough for the flanking maneuver.
  • As the flanks close, chaos erupts in Persian ranks; the invaders flee to their ships.

• Result:

  • Stunning victory for Athens, despite being outnumbered. The might of Persia falters before the resolve and strategy of the Athenians.
  • Miltiades is hailed as savior and hero of Greek independence.

The Aftermath and Mythos

• Pheidippides’ Second Run & Birth of the Marathon:

  • The messenger is said to have run from Marathon to Athens (26+ miles) to relay victory—a story immortalized by poet Lucian and further by Robert Browning, inspiring the modern marathon race.

• Long-term Impact:

  • Secured the survival of Athenian democracy and set the stage for the flowering of classical Greek civilization.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the gravity of the moment:

  “Never since the time that the Athenians became a people, were they in so great a danger as now.”
  — Miltiades to Callimachus (16:26)

• On Persian intent:

  “If Athens and Eretria continue to disrespect the Persian Empire, then Darius will be left with no other choice. He will assemble the greatest army the world has ever seen and wipe Eretria and Athens from the face of the earth.” (10:51)

• The origin of the marathon:

  “In the second century AD, the great poet Lucian will describe Pheidippides as a messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens… A distance of just more than 26 miles. Almost 2,000 years later… this will inspire a poem… and thus the marathon will be born.” (20:58)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening dramatization of the Battle of Lade: 00:25–03:46
• Darius’s ambitions and Persian expansion: 05:35–11:24
• Destruction of Eretria: 13:07–14:51
• Greek strategic standoff and Pheidippides’ run: 14:51–17:45
• Miltiades convinces Callimachus: 16:02–16:45
• Battle of Marathon narration: 18:59–22:07
• Pheidippides and the marathon legend: 20:58–22:07

Episode Takeaways

• The Battle of Marathon stands as a testament to unity, tactical brilliance, and the refusal to submit to tyranny.
• Through vivid narrative, listeners understand not just the facts but the stakes, personalities, and emotions driving both Greeks and Persians.
• The legacies are tangible—even in today’s athletic marathons and the trajectory of democratic governance.

Tone & Language:
Lindsey Graham’s narration is cinematic, evocative, and emotionally charged. Key historical figures’ dialogues and interior thoughts are dramatized, giving a “you are there” immediacy to the events, while underscoring their lasting significance for world history.