The First Persian Invasion of Greece refers to the military campaign led by the Achaemenid Empire of Persia, under the rule of King Darius I, against several Greek city-states in the early 5th century BCE. This invasion marked the beginning of the Persian Wars, a series of conflicts between the Persians and the Greeks.
Taking place between 492 BCE and 490 BCE, the First Persian Invasion of Greece aimed to expand the Persian Empire's territories into Europe and subjugate the fiercely independent Greek city-states, notably Athens and Eretria. King Darius dispatched a substantial expeditionary force consisting of both naval and land troops, led by generals Datis and Artaphernes.
The Persian fleet, comprised of hundreds of warships, embarked on a maritime expedition across the Aegean Sea, conquering and looting several Greek islands along the way. Simultaneously, the Persian land forces moved through Thrace towards Greece, capturing various cities and territories.
Although the Persian army managed to besiege and sack Eretria, they faced major resistance upon arriving in Marathon, northeast of Athens. Here, the Athenian army, under the leadership of their strategos, Miltiades, strategically defeated the Persian forces in the famous Battle of Marathon, routing the invaders back to their ships.
The First Persian Invasion of Greece had a significant impact on both Persian and Greek history. On one hand, it served as a catalyst for future Persian invasions and the ensuing Persian Wars. On the other hand, the Greeks' successful defense at Marathon instilled a sense of unity and pride, laying the groundwork for the eventual formation of the Delian League and the emergence of Athens as a major power in the region.
