The Battle of Marathon, which took place in 490 BC, is a significant event in Ancient Greek history. The Persian Empire launched a campaign to conquer the Greek city-states, and the Battle of Marathon unfolded between the combined forces of Athens and Plataea against the Persian army.

The Persians attacked when Athens was vulnerable, but the Athenian general, Miltiades, swiftly brought the united Greek army to the plains of Marathon, resisting the Persians. The Greek army, launching a faster attack than expected, surprised the Persians and achieved victory.

After the battle, a Athenian soldier named Pheidippides ran to deliver the news of the victory to Athens. According to legend, after reaching Athens and shouting "Nenikekamen!" (we have won), Pheidippides collapsed and died. This event is linked to the origins of modern marathon races, and the current marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers is derived from the legendary run