The First War for Western Civilisation

A look at the modern connection to this influential period of history, focusing on Athens and the world's first democracy, which led to the Greco-Persian Wars.

A look at the Spartans and their position in Greece, how Persia and Greece first entered conflict, and the events that caused the first Persian invasion of Greece at the Battle of Marathon.

Athenian General Militades leads the Athens host against the Persian invasion at Marathon. Once the battle is over, Militades' son Kimon attempts to avenge Athens' betrayal of his father.

A look at some myths about how the Greeks overcame the Persians at Marathon after failing to win any battle up until that point.

Spartan King Leonidas and his army of 300 Spartans take on Persian King Xerxes and his army at the legendary Battle of Thermopylae.

An exploration of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans' sacrifice as they attempted to delay Xerxes' Persian army.