A Greek soldier's diary from the Battle of Marathon

Battle of Marathon Smehra

Diary from the Battle of Marathon

Day 1, 490 BC

The Persians are persistent, but Greece shall overcome! We have heard the rumors that Darius' first attack was thwarted by the powers of Poseidon, but we have heard nothing further from our spies. Many of us have stopped walking around with our arms, it was after all upsetting to the women and children that we were ready for battle and death, by Zeus! Rather, we are watchful and more alert than ever.

We can not trust Darius and the Persians, for they have already taken over the Ionian Greeks, and he has sworn to take over our Athens too. We helped our Greek brothers against the Persian invaders, and how that warped his wrath! Now he is determined we shall fall into his grip - and then where will he shed blood?

A look around at the marketplace and the beauty of Athens, and I pray to the Gods that she will not fall into Darius' hands. There is a group preparing for a hunting trip. I think I may join them, to get my mind off of these affairs. My wife, she is busy running the affairs of the house and tending to our children. As the man of the house, I am responsible - I carry the power to change things.... Yes, I think I will journey on the hunt. They have readied the hounds, and surely there is plenty of boar in the forests these days. A hunt would be good, by Demeter.

Day 2, 490 BC

There have been rumors again about Darius and his plans for invasion. Many have taken up their weapons again and wearing them more often, while the gather provisions and secure their homes. It stands to reason that Darius will try attacking us from two sides - from sea, and from land. I know I would, and I am Greek.

We must protect our children, our Athens! The priestess is preparing her rituals, and I will head to the temple soon to pray to the Gods, and ask Lady Athena to make us brave and protect her city. I shall also make an offering to Poseidon, perhaps he will thwart Darius' ships again and take them for his own pleasure.

Day 3, 490 BC

The city continues its vigilance, and prayer. Today a herald showed his face to us again. The mongrel demanded 'water and earth' once more for that King of his! How I burn with rage! How dare Darius think he can tread upon us into submission. We shall not relent! Athens will never be his!

How my heart weeps to hear that many cities have given up all hope and have fallen to his heralds. Sparta does not, nor Athens, and together we must remain strong. Spartans are good soldiers - the best - and surely they know it too. They are the foes to which Darius shall fall, and Athenians will rattle his might too! There are heralds approaching our cities, and they will learn quick enough what it means to anger us and our Gods!

Day 18 490 BC

The Persians have been spotted by merchants. They are making their way towards Greece, traveling through the Aegean Sea. May Poseidon crush their meager vessels as they desecrate the waters of our home-land.

Day 24 490 BC

Our Eritrian allies have fallen to the Persians. They were under siege for six days and the city has been destroyed, people massacred because of their friendship in peace and war with us. The city mourns, but we are stronger than ever now, and we are ready for them. They think they can break our spirits and make an example of Eritria, but we are under Athena's grace. We shall overcome these Persian invaders and have Darius fall to his knees!

Day 25 490 BC

Our Spartan allies are waiting for the full moon. They are not willing to travel across the borders to join us, so it will be Athens, and Athenians standing alone against the invaders. I pray to the Gods, and the Goddess Athena: grant us the wisdom and military might to protect your Greece.

Day 28 490 BC

We have gathered in Marathon, prepared to stand alone against the invaders, but by Zeus, we are not alone! The entire Plataian army has joined our forces. They are small - only 1000 strong - but we are now 1000 stronger and our spirits are bright! We shall take up our positions in the Valley of Vrana where we will fight for the good of Athens, for all of Greece and die knowing that the Gods shall grant us favor for our strength.

General Miltiades has divided us into groups - we are flanking the valley like a bird, with strong wings and a small, weak center. Perhaps this will trick the Persian armies, but at least we will have an advantage fighting on our own familiar land. The Persians are cowards in battle. They tend to sit and wait with their bows drawn. Too many men have died to the onslaught of Persian arrows. I think Miltiades may have plans to use the Persian tactic against them.... Our Phalanx are ready

Day 29 490 BC

Dawn. We are preparing our attack, this may be my last day on this green earth... I pray for our victory.

The Persians fell to the general's plan! Like clockwork they attacked the weaker middle, and like a great bird, our strong attacking wings came round to the counterattack. Though the Persians were greater in number and had horses and bows, we were able to break them down! The Gods favored our bravery and loyalty. We fought them into the sea, and have managed to capture seven vessels. We have been victorious