Traces the decisive military confrontation between Greek and Persian forces that led to an unexpected victory for the Greeks and the establishment of Greek cultural practices that became the basis for much of Western civilization.

The Ancient Greeks in the seventh and sixth centuries B.C.E. -- The rise of the Persian Empire -- The Athenian city-state about 500 B.C.E. -- The growth of conflict between Persians and Greeks -- The Battle of Marathon -- The consequences of the Battle of Marathon.