3 ms·
I thought Pheidippides tragically invented the marathon in 490BC. The word comes from Marathōn in Greece where the Athenians defeated the Persians.
by Maursault 4y ago
I thought Pheidippides tragically invented the marathon in 490BC. The word comes from Marathōn in Greece where the Athenians defeated the Persians.
- dragontamer 4y agoWell, I just went down a rabbit hole. There seems to be a "reverse Balto/Togo" effect here. Pheidippides did NOT run the famous "Marathon". Pheidippides ran the 150-mile journey from Athens to Sparta (and back: 300 total miles) and then died. The "Marathon to Athens" 26.4 mile journey was another heroic messenger, but someone who was mistaken for Pheidippides. It seems very unlikely for Pheidippides to be the messenger because he'd have been tired (and/or dead) from his Athens / Sparta message.
- Maursault 4y agoI am getting just a little sick and tired of all the ancient fake news.
- Macha 4y agoThat's why I said the marathon sport and not just running to/from Marathon :)