Why do I use the title, "If True, one of the more important books ever written" ? Because Lagos and Karyanos are A) Talking about one of the most important moments in human history, the birth of democracy, B) saying something entirely new about it, C) in a way that is easy to follow, beautifully written, and totally persuasive. So, yes, if true (and I think it is), this is one of the more important books ever written.
I know that classicists still have to weigh in, here - people who really know the sources and the period; I can't wait for their rebuttals.
But right now, this is a fantastic book, which is based on so much original research, or fresh interpretations of recent research. It feels persuasive on every page, and you feel all but certain that this is what really happened, this is how the battle went down. Of course, a main focus of the authors is the role of the economic lower class citizens of Athens in the battle, and here too they are utterly persuasive. But the order of battle will be for many readers the true jaw-dropping moment - especially because what is written here will guide excavations going forward, and lead to new discoveries.
Buy this book and read it aloud with your family members who care about classical Greece. You will find it a great experience!
PS - the maps are not listed in the table of contents, but they are there - under Plates, at the very end of the e-book. I wish the maps were clickable and expandable, but I just took photos of them, and have been expanding those.
PPS - As I continue reading this, I'm adding to my praises, above. First, the authors make incredibly interesting use of art history to show what happened. Second, as you read the final chapters describing the battle, you are overcome with the reality of what happened at Marathon. I can't wait on my next trip to Athens, to walk the areas described by the authors, and to take in the relationship of the topography to the battle...
Congratulations to the authors - a true tour de force...
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Who Really Won the Battle of Marathon?: A Bold Re-appraisal of One of History's Most Famous Battles Kindle Edition
by
Constantinos Lagos
(Author),
Fotis Karyanos
(Author),
John Carr
(Translator)
&
0
more Format: Kindle Edition
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“An excellent book” that takes a new look at the historic clash between the ancient Greeks and Persians (Army Rumour Service).
The Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, in which an Athenian-led Greek force defeated a Persian invasion, is one of the most decisive battles in antiquity, studied for centuries. It is famed as a triumph of the Greek hoplite heavy infantry phalanx against massively superior Persian numbers. But this exciting reassessment of the evidence, including new archaeological findings, overturns many long-held assumptions. In particular, the authors argue that the Greek numerical inferiority was less marked than previously thought, largely because the hoplites were accompanied by many light infantrymen who are given unprecedented credit for their role in the fighting. The contribution of these poorer citizens, it is argued, led to the immediate strengthening of democracy in Athens.
Also tackled is the much-debated mystery of the whereabouts of the Persian cavalry, generally thought to have been absent on the day of battle. Their bold answer is that it was not only present but played a central role in the fighting. However, the Greeks managed to defeat the Persian cavalry by their ingenious use of the terrain. The authors also claim to have located the site of the Greek camp. This thoroughly researched and compelling reassessment is an exciting new take on this justly famous event.
The Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, in which an Athenian-led Greek force defeated a Persian invasion, is one of the most decisive battles in antiquity, studied for centuries. It is famed as a triumph of the Greek hoplite heavy infantry phalanx against massively superior Persian numbers. But this exciting reassessment of the evidence, including new archaeological findings, overturns many long-held assumptions. In particular, the authors argue that the Greek numerical inferiority was less marked than previously thought, largely because the hoplites were accompanied by many light infantrymen who are given unprecedented credit for their role in the fighting. The contribution of these poorer citizens, it is argued, led to the immediate strengthening of democracy in Athens.
Also tackled is the much-debated mystery of the whereabouts of the Persian cavalry, generally thought to have been absent on the day of battle. Their bold answer is that it was not only present but played a central role in the fighting. However, the Greeks managed to defeat the Persian cavalry by their ingenious use of the terrain. The authors also claim to have located the site of the Greek camp. This thoroughly researched and compelling reassessment is an exciting new take on this justly famous event.
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPen & Sword Military
- Publication dateFebruary 28, 2020
- File size15.0 MB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"An excellent book... Every credit to the authors for their persistence and research. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Ancient Greek history.
Army Rumour Service
Army Rumour Service
About the Author
Constantinos Lagos holds a BA in History from Athens University and an MA and PhD in Ancient History from Durhan University in the UK. He teaches History in the Hellenic Air Force Academy and the Hellenic Open University. He is the author of a study of the battle of Fort Rupel (6-10 April 1941) and of a biography of Constantine Perrikos, an aviator who fought in the Greek wartime resistance.
John Carr has enjoyed a career as a journalist, correspondent and broadcaster (The Times, Wall Street Journal Europe, Vatican Radio), mainly in the Mediterranean and particularly Greece, where he now resides.
John Carr has enjoyed a career as a journalist, correspondent and broadcaster (The Times, Wall Street Journal Europe, Vatican Radio), mainly in the Mediterranean and particularly Greece, where he now resides.
Product details
- ASIN : B08CMFWXH2
- Publisher : Pen & Sword Military; 1st edition (February 28, 2020)
- Publication date : February 28, 2020
- Language : English
- File size : 15.0 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 582 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,007,241 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #100 in History of Greece
- #310 in Ancient Military History (Kindle Store)
- #431 in Archaeology (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024