Marathon, Coastal settlement in Attica, Greece
Marathon is a coastal town in the Marathonas Municipality in Attica, located about 40 kilometers northeast of Athens. The settlement runs along the Aegean shoreline and is surrounded by low hills and a plain that reaches down to the sea.
In 490 BC a battle took place here where Athenian soldiers pushed back a Persian army. A runner carried news of the victory to Athens, which later became the origin of the modern marathon race.
The Marathon Run Museum displays artifacts and documents that tell the story of the original marathon run and its evolution into modern athletics.
Bus lines connect the town regularly with central Athens, and the trip takes about an hour and a half depending on traffic. Local shops, taverns, and some lodging options are available for travelers who wish to stay longer.
A burial mound at the edge of the plain marks the resting place of soldiers who fell in the battle and is surrounded by a small park. Visitors can walk around the mound and read the inscription on the memorial stone that honors the fighters.
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