The First War for Western Civilization

Our modern connection to this period, the importance to us here and now. Three major players, Athens, Sparta and Persia. Greece & Persia, where each came from and what made them different to each other. A closer look at Athens and beginnings of Democracy.

Sparta and its unique position in Greece. How Greece & Persia came in to conflict. The Ionian Revolt, Kimon and Miltiades in Athens, meeting Isodice, Athenian betrayal, the first Persian Invasion. Events leading up to the Battle of Marathon.

Events leading up to the Battle of Marathon including the mystery of Marathon. Why did the Athenians call for help, then attack the much larger Persian army at Marathon without waiting for that help? The Battle of Marathon.

The famous, original Marathon Run, war heroes, the fall from grace of Kimon’s family, prison, bankruptcy, incest, recovery, and marriage. Athens builds their fleet.

The Great Persian Invasion of Greece by Persian King Xerxes, the construction of the bridges over the sea at Hellespont and the canal at Athos, and the lead up to the Battle of Thermopylae, days 1 and 2. The betrayal of Leonidas and his 300 Spartans.

Thermopylae: Leonidas and his 300 Spartans delay the enormous Persian forces of King Xerxes. Were the 300 Spartans always on a suicide mission? The evacuation of Athens. Spartan timidity and indecision. Themistocles brings on the naval battle at Salamis.

The finish of the naval battle of Salamis. The stabilization and the lead up to the Battle of Plataea, the final battle on the Greek mainland. The finish of the Battle of Plataea and the pledge made there.

A behind-the-scenes look at the story, the characters, and the production of "The First War for Western Civilization".