OUTSKIRTS TOUR
A visit to a few important historical outskirts, such as Marathon and Sounio.
MARATHON
At Marathon, one of the battles that formed the History of the European Civilization took place: The Persians invaded Greece seeking to eliminate Greeks in order to ensure their "backs", establish firm supply lines and move on to their plan to conquer Europe. At 492B.C., approximately 10.000 Atheneans led by the General Miltiades defended their homes against 50.000-100.000 Persians led by Dareius A'. The Persians desembarked at Marathon. A great battle was fought with Atheneans fighting so bravely to protect their families, homes, way of life, culture, gods etc that only 192 Atheneans fell, defeating greatly the Persians and forcing them to head back home.
At the end of the battle, a soldier-messenger was ordered to run back to the city and announce the news of victory to the crowded Agora were civiliants had gathered, waiting for the outcome of the battle. The soldier - messenger ran the 42 km in full armor, shield etc (it was considered shameful to abandon them), reached to Agora and shouted the famous phrase "Nenikikamen" (nike:victory => we won) and fell dead after the strenuous, superhuman effort.
A few thousand years later, at the First Olympic Games of the Modern Era (1896A.D.), the French Baron Pierre de Coubertin, to honor the memory of the Atheneans who defended the European Continent and particularly the soldier - messenger who gave his life just to bring good news to his people, proposed the establishment of the Marathon. The most honoring of the sports in Olympic Games, that is always performed last and together with the Closing Olympic Ceremony.
Today at Marathon there is a museum with artifacts from the battle, cultural information, maps of the surrounding locations, villages nearby etc.
SOUNIO
A visit to the Temple of Poseidon, one of the best maintained temples, in an absolutely majestic location, at Cape Sounio. It is the southernest part in Attica (the Prefecture of Athens) and served both as religious landmark and as "observatory" since Athens was most likely to be invaded by the sea. Just below the Temple, excavations found the setllement - village of the civiliants and the guard of the Temple.
SEASIDE - COASTAL AVENUE
To reach Marathon & Sounio, the road passes from the gorgeous Seaside - Coastal Avenue, with magnificent views, alternating landscapes, beaches, local towns etc.
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