Archaeological Site of the Tumulus of the Athenian Marathon Warriors

About the museum

On the then marshy plain of Marathon, in 490 BC, the Athenians and their allies defeated the great Persian army and prevented the Persians from penetrating into Europe. This battle was decisive for the course of history and symbolises the victory of the ideals of democracy over absolute rule.

The Athenian hoplites who fell in the battle were buried, as was customary, near the battlefield. The mound that covered them, a heap of earth nine metres high, has been preserved through the centuries and is the best-known monument of Marathon.

Shortly afterwards the Athenians also erected a marble trophy of victory. The authentic parts are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Marathon, while a copy stands in its original location at Mesosporitissa, near the post-Byzantine church of the Virgin Mary. The archaeological site of the Tumulus has its own ticket, separate from the museum ticket.

Highlights

• Mound of the Athenian warriors, nine metres high
• Monument of the victory over the Persians in 490 BC
• Copy of the marble trophy at Mesosporitissa, near the church of the Virgin Mary

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Ανατολικής Αττικής

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.

The ticket for the archaeological site is separate from the tickets for the Archaeological Museum of Marathon and the archaeological site of Brexiza.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car, the site is about 50 minutes from the centre of Athens.

Amenities & dining

On site there are toilets and a car park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit