At the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE), which Athenian general is credited with the tactical decision to thin the center and strengthen the wings of the Greek phalanx?
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Correct answer: Miltiades
Miltiades engineered the Greek victory at Marathon by thinning the center of his line to match the Persian width and using heavy wings to envelop the Persian forces. This resulted in a decisive defeat for the Persians despite their superior numbers.
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More Persian Wars questions
- Which Persian King led the second, much larger invasion of Greece in 480 BCE, ten years after the defeat at Marathon?
- The Battle of Thermopylae is best remembered for the heroic stand of 300 Spartans and their allies led by which king?
- What was the strategic purpose of the Greek naval force at Artemisium during the Battle of Thermopylae?
- Following the defeat at Thermopylae, the Persians reached and performed what significant action in Athens?
- Which Athenian politician and general convinced the Greeks to fight at sea at the Battle of Salamis?
- What type of ship was the primary vessel used by both the Greeks and Persians during the naval battles of the war?