B. 75 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1841, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New York. CATION DEPT.. RUINS OF ANCIENT CITIES. MARATHON. MARATHON, which was originally one of the four cities founded by an Attic king, who gave it his name, is now little better than a village. The plain in which it is situated, says Mr. Dodwell," is one of the prettiest spots in Attica, and is enriched with many kinds of fruit-trees, particularly walnuts, figs, pomegranates, pears, and cherries. On our arrival, the fine country girls, with attractive looks and smiling faces, brought us baskets of fruit. Some of them appeared unwilling to accept our money in return; and the spontaneous civility and good-humour of the inhabitants soon convinced us that we were in Attica, where they are more courteous to strangers than in other parts of Greece." This city was but small-indeed, was often called a village-yet a deathless interest is attached to it; for just beside it was fought the battle between the Persians and Athenians, which, even at this day, is more known and respected than any other recorded in history. We shall therefore give an abstract of the account of this battle as it is related by Rollin, and then show in what condition the city is at the present time. Miltiades, like an able captain, endeavoured, by the advantage of the ground, to gain what he wanted in strength and numbers. He drew up his army at the foot of a mountain, that the enemy should not be able to surround him, or charge him in the rear. On the two sides of his army he caused large trees RUINS OF ANCIENT CITIES. to be cut down, in order to cover his flanks and render the Persian cavalry useless. Datis, their commander, was sensible that the place was not advantageous for him; but, relying upon the number of his troops, which was infinitely superior to that of the Athenians, he determined to charge. The Athenians did not wait for the enemy's charge; but, as soon as the signal for battle was given, they rushed forward to meet them with all the fury imaginable. The Persians looked upon this first step of the Athenians as a piece of madness, considering that their army was so small, and utterly destitute of cavalry and archers; but they were quickly undeceived. Herodotus observes, that "this was the first time the Grecians began an engagement by running in this manner." The battle was fierce and obstinate. Miltiades had made the wings of his army exceedingly strong, but had left the main body more weak, and not deep; the reason of which seems manifest enough. Having but ten thousand men to oppose to such a numerous army, it was impossible for him either to make a large front, or to give an equal depth to his battalion. He was therefore obliged to take his choice; and he concluded that he could gain the victory in no other way than by the efforts he should make with his two wings, in order to break and disperse those of the Persians; not doubting but that, when his wings were once victorious, they would be able to attack the enemy's main body in flank, and complete the victory without much difficulty.* The Persians then attacked the main body of the Grecian army, and made their greatest effort against their front. This was led by Aristides and Themistocles, who supported the onset for a long time with intrepid courage and bravery, but were at length obliged to give ground. At that very instant came up their two victorious wings, which had *This was the same plan that Hannibal followed afterward at the battle of Cannæ. |