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The Spartan army was the principle ground force of Sparta. It stood at the center of the ancient Greek city-state , consisting of citizens trained in the disciplines and honor of a warrior society . [ 1 ]
Ancient authors vastly inflated the size of the Persian army, with estimates in the millions, but modern scholars estimate it at between 120,000 and 300,000 soldiers. They arrived at Thermopylae by late August or early September; the outnumbered Greeks held them off for seven days (including three of direct battle) before their rear-guard was ...
The Athenian military was the old main force of Athens, one of the major city-states of Ancient Greece. It was largely similar to other armies of the region – see Ancient Greek warfare . Army
An Athenian army of c. 10,000 hoplites marched to meet the Persian army of about 25,000 troops [citation needed]. The Athenians were at a significant disadvantage both strategically and tactically. Raising such a large army had denuded Athens of defenders, and thus any attack in the Athenian rear would cut off the Army from the City.
Often small, numbering around 6000 at its peak to no more than 1000 soldiers at lowest point, [35] divided into six mora or battalions, the Spartan army was feared for its discipline and ferocity. Military service was the primary duty of Spartan men, and Spartan society was organized around its army.
Cleomenes was not pleased with events, and marched on Athens with the Spartan army. [19] Cleomenes's attempts to restore Isagoras to Athens ended in a debacle, but fearing the worst, the Athenians had by this point already sent an embassy to Artaphernes in Sardis, to request aid from the Persian empire. [20]
Sparta was recognized as the leading force of the unified Greek military during the Greco-Persian Wars, in rivalry with the rising naval power of Athens. [3] Sparta was the principal enemy of Athens during the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC), [4] from which it emerged victorious after the Battle of Aegospotami.
After hearing a plea for help from Athens who were facing the Persians at Marathon in 490 BC, Sparta decided to honor its laws and wait until the moon was full to send an army. As a result, Sparta's army arrived at Marathon after the battle had been won by the Athenians.