The first great invasion of the Persian empire was not thwarted by the Spartans, but by the Athenians. In a heroic effort, the hoplite warriors of the city-state triumphed in a fight against both greater numbers and the march of time. But while they were fighting on land, a Persian fleet was sailing round to sack the city. Athens had to win one fight and stop a second, and success depended on one swift messenger.
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