
Marathon
The Battle That Changed Western Civilization
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Narrated by:
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Jeremy Gage
Published to coincide with Marathon's 2500th anniversary, a riveting history of the historic battle.
The Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. is not only understood as the most decisive event in the struggle between the Greeks and the Persians, but can also be seen as perhaps the most significant moment in our collective history.
10,000 Athenian citizens faced a Persian military force of more than 25,000. A Greek victory appeared impossible, but the men of Athens were tenacious and the Persians were defeated. Following the battle, the Athenian hoplite army ran 26.5 miles from Marathon to Athens to defend their port from the Persian navy. Although they had just run the great distance in heavy armor, the Athenians won the battle and drove the Persian forces from Attica. Greek freedom ensued and the achievements of the culture became much of the basis for Western civilization.
In this comprehensive and engrossing treatment, Richard Billows captures the drama of that day 2500 years ago and the ramifications it has had throughout Western history.
Download the accompanying reference guide.©2010 Thomas A. Billows (P)2010 Audible, IncListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
Would you listen to Marathon again? Why?
I'm listening to it over and over again. Contrary to what the cover might seem to imply, it's not a *300* type book. Instead, it uses the battle as a lens to understand Athenian, Persian, and, to an extent, Greek culture--about all of which, it explodes misconceptions from hindsight bias. Indeed, to only focus on the battle, especially with as little as we know in detail about it, for the entire book, would make it that type of book that puts people in the hospital if they foolishly had decided to read the whole thing. This is an excellent, readable, insightful work that rewards even re-reading, and I say that as somebody fairly knowledgeable about the ancient world.What about Jeremy Gage’s performance did you like?
Jeremy Gage is excellent, especially in his descriptions of the battle.Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I wouldn't say that this is a moving book, although the descriptions of Athenians hurrying back to guard Athens after their victory at Marathon help you to realize Marathon was not a one-off, day thing as superficial history might have it. Indeed, these descriptions really help you to feel the dramatic tension of that day and night.It is a book meant to challenge practical assumptions about Marathon, ancient Athens, and the Persians, and therein lies its fascination for me.
A Generally Very Good Work
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A Great Professor's passion project
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Effectively evokes the world of ancient greece
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Is there anything you would change about this book?
It was a true Marathon of ancient history before anything was even mentioned about the battle of Marathon.Takes awhile to get to the actual battle
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Took too long to get to the battle
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Would you listen to Marathon again? Why?
Yes- superb narration pulls you into the full-fledged story, which is rich in history, & deep in details that permeate our Western cultureWho was your favorite character and why?
N/AWhat about Jeremy Gage’s performance did you like?
He made you feel everything was relevantIf you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Democracy was bought with blood- know why we're not SpartansDemocracy Never For Granted!
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Misleading Title
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Ending was opinionated and biased
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