Overall, Lagos and Karyanos make a convincing case, backing it up with good maps and end notes. This is an excellent book to read if you are interested in not only ancient battles, but life and through in those times, as well as the consequences of the historic battle. Originally written in Greek, the translator, John Carr has done us a great service providing this book in English.

Strategy & Tactics #324, reviewed by John D. Burtt

Lagos and Fotis Karyanos have done admirable research, the illustrations are impressive.

Military History, July 2021

A book with fresh ideas and of great interest.

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Miniaturas JM

We all know about the Battle of Marathon, or do we?. In this enjoyable and engaging re-appraisal of one of history’s most famous battles the authors paint a vivid picture and overturn many ‘established facts’ with the use of archaeology . – Very Highly Recommended.

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Firetrench

Lagos and Karyanos deploy an interesting combination of sources and archaeology to create their reconstruction of Marathon, and their digressions into the competing interpretations of the evidence provide insight into the workings of ancient historians.

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Beating Tsundoku

This is a well researched and laid out book. There are lots of original sources and a large reading list.

I can see this being used by wargammers to recreate this version of the battle. I won’t spoil the authors’ views of our famous marathon runner….

I also like the Agincourt comparison nugget right at the back of the book. It is a very interesting read…

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Medieval Sword School

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The authors have researched their subject well and present their arguments well, backing them up with facts, quotes and figures. Marathon has always been an emotive subject among the Ancient History fraternity. I feel the majority of questions have been answered, especially that concerning the "lost cavalry". With researchers of this calibre, it becomes a joy to read their theories on how ancient histories were conducted and dispells many of the myths ventured by the ill-informed.

An excellent book containing 8 chapters, 5 appendices, photos and maps, a bibliography and over 100 pages of notes. Every credit to the authors for their persistence and research. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Ancient Greek history.

Marks out of five: A very well deserved 5

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Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)

Highly recommend this book. Some of us met Fotis Karyanos in our 2015 re-enactment at Marathon. Their reconstruction of the battle includes new material resulting from research: the site of the Greek camp, the location of the battle, the tactics used by the Greeks, the mystery of the ‘absent’ cavalry, the use of newly freed slaves and the lower classes and the relative numbers of combatants on either side. They provide arguments that question long-held assumptions and provides some compelling evidence for their theories.

Hoplite Association

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

If you enjoy military history, then this book is for you! Dive into facts, theories and so much more! The author, Constantinos Lagos brings a new perspective to the many different theories that have been thrown around for centuries.

The Persians were a force to be reckoned with, masters of war and defense, But the Greek force managed to route and defeat the Persian military. The back and forth among historians has often led to heated debates, and many different thoughts as to how the Greek military could unseat such a heavy favorite of the ancient world.

Lagos dives deep into history, bringing the backgrounds to the forefront, and giving a fresh perspective of this age old battle. For military historians, this is a must read book! It is one that is going to have you scribbling notes, and running to the library looking for documentation and more information. One of the best books of the year! His findings might just surprise you...

NetGalley, Rebecca Hill

The evidence is so well laid out the reader may come to their own opinion as to what was the decisive element. This book, "Who Really Won the Battle of Marathon", is not quite so simple as pointing a figuring to the singular important factor. It is a well developed clear rendition of what is the state of research on this pivotal event. They literally get down to the mud, the conditions, the conflicting accounts, and just about everything that could possibly shed light on the event. As such it is a good read if just to admire the research and sleuthing of the authors Karyanos and Lagos. They do a very good job. I highly recommend this.

NetGalley, Willy Marz

Featured 'ON THE SHELF' by Neil Smith

Wargames Illustrated, September 2019

Bold and controversial reinterpretation of one of the most the most famous and decisive battles of the ancient world.

Bookseller Buyers Guide

I came to this book not knowing much about the battle, and with therefore an open mind. My assumption was that I would read a general narrative. Instead I seem to have bye passed the basic texts and moved straight to the authoritative account of what did happen and what may have happened. A very enjoyable book and a pleasure to be conducted around this battle by experts.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy