The Rise of Persia and the First Greco-Persian Wars : The Expansion of the Achaemenid Empire and the Battle of Marathon

Manousos Kambouris revisits the epic events of the first Greco-Persian War and the Persian invasion of Greece. He gives excellent detail on the Persian perspective and sets the war in the context of the rise of Achaemenid Persia as the superpower of the day and the expansion of their empire into Europe. After relating the earlier Persian campaigns in Europe the author shows how the Ionian Revolt, by the Greeks of Asia Minor already under Persian rule, was instrumental. Darius I, the Persian King of Kings ordered the invasion of Greece ostensibly to punish the Greeks, and more specifically the Athenians, for their support of the Revolt and to contain further insurgencies but in truth to achieve god-ordained world dominance. Describing the invasion in great detail, the author analyses the king's immense (even if occasionally exaggerated) army, considering its composition and logistical constraints. The campaign leading to Marathon and the decisive battle itself are then clearly narrated. Manousos Kambouris' meticulous research brings fresh insights to this timeless tale of defiance of the odds and victory for the underdog. This ancient military history examines the rise of Achaemenid Persia as it expanded into Europe to become the era's dominant superpower. In this enlightening history, Manousos Kambouris examines the first Greco-Persian War from the Persian perspective, framing it within the larger narrative of Achaemenid Empire's rise. After relating the earlier Persian campaigns in Europe, Kambouris shows how the Ionian Revolt—by the Greeks of Asia Minor already under Persian rule—played a role in the subsequent conflict. Darius I, the Persian King of Kings, ordered the invasion of Greece ostensibly to punish the Athenians for their support of the Revolt, but in truth he sought to achieve god-ordained world dominance. Describing the invasion in great detail, the author analyses the king's immense (even if occasionally exaggerated) army, considering its composition and logistical constraints. The campaign leading to Marathon and the decisive battle itself are then clearly narrated. Kambouris' meticulous research brings fresh insights to this timeless tale of defiance and victory for the underdog. The epic story of the first Greco-Persian War and the Persian invasion of Europe and Greece.