Why were the Greeks able to defeat the Persian on the plain of the Marathon

Many reasons include; – Greeks had good strong communication lines – Greeks had knowledge of tactics thanks to Themistocles – Greeks received help from Sparta -Gks have defensive position on the hills -Charge at a run – you march into war, not run – surprised the Persians -Phalanx encircles and surrounds Persians -Persians were cut down in the marshes -Miltiades strength and strategy give Gks sense of capability -“Callimachus was the leader of the campaign, but the success must be attributed to Miltiades.” Bury and Meiggs -Absence of the Persian cavalry (had expected to bypass the army and sail straight toAthens) -Gk hoplites far more disciplined and with better fighting methods and armour -Persians lightly clad with wicker shields, little armour – Motivation of democracy a driving force