The First War for Western Civilization

Our modern connection to this period, the importance to us here and now. Three major players, Athens, Sparta and Persia. Greece & Persia, where each came from and what made them different to each other. A closer look at Athens and beginnings of Democracy.

Sparta and its unique position in Greece. How Greece & Persia came in to conflict. The Ionian Revolt, Kimon and Miltiades in Athens, meeting Isodice, Athenian betrayal, the first Persian Invasion. Events leading up to the Battle of Marathon.

Athenian General Miltiades leads Athens against the Persian Empire's first invasion of Greece at Marathon. Exploring the mystery to why Athens did not wait for Spartan troops to arrive before attacking the Persians alone. Young and brash Kimon, son of Miltiades (the Hero at Marathon) begins his Hero's Journey, firstly, to avenge Athen's betrayal of his father's accomplishments and reputation.

Some myth busting about how the Greeks beat the Persians at Marathon. The origins of the famous Marathon run. War heroes, the fall from grace of Kimon's family and Athens builds their fleet under Themistocles.

The Great Persian Invasion of Greece by Persian King Xerxes, the construction of the bridges over the sea at Hellespont and the canal at Athos, and the lead up to the Battle of Thermopylae, days 1 and 2. The betrayal of Leonidas and his 300 Spartans.

Legend versus History at Day 3 of Thermopylae. The sacrifice of Leonidas, his 300 Spartans and other Greeks, trying to delay the enormous Persian forces of King Xerxes. What really happened there? Were the 300 Spartans on a suicide mission? The evacuation of Athens and Themistocles brings on the first naval battle in the Bay of Salamis.