MARATHONAS. Although it's 26 miles outside the city, this site marks Athens' most famous military victory and the run immediately afterwards to announce the news (which inspired the modern-day marathon). In 490 BC at this spot, Persians marched against Athenian troops, and although outnumbered 24,000 to 9,000, the Athenians slaughtered their opponents handily. They then sent their swiftest runner, Pheidippides, to alert the city of victory. Entering the Agora, he shouted "We have won" and promptly dropped dead from exhaustion. Marathonas' burial mound holds cremated remains of the 192 Athenians who fell in battle that day. A small museum in the village offers detailed exhibits about battles fought in the area.

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