The Battle of Marathon took place in 490 BC during the Greco-Persian Wars. It was a significant conflict between the small city-state of Athens and the vast Persian Empire. The Athenians, led by General Miltiades, faced a much larger Persian army. Despite being outnumbered, the Athenians used clever tactics and their knowledge of the terrain to achieve a surprising victory. This battle is famous for showcasing the courage and determination of the Athenian soldiers. After the battle, a messenger named Pheidippides ran approximately 26 miles to deliver the news of victory to Athens, inspiring the modern marathon race.