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Modern Description: At the site of Tsepi an extensive Early Bronze Age cemetery (3200-2000 BC). Rectangular built graves with multiple inhumations. Some are surrounded by a stone enclosure. The finds include marble figurines and pottery which reveal close relations with the Cyclades. They are exhibited in the Marathon Archaeological Museum.
At the site of Vrana a tumuli cemetery of the Middle Helladic period (2000-1600 BC). Three tumuli with a horseshoe-shaped grave at the centre and a stone covering around the perimeter contained graves with single burials. The finds are exhibited in the Marathon Museum.
A large Mycenaean tholos tomb (15th-14th century BC) has survived virtually intact. It comprises a long dromos and a chamber in which the pair of horses that led the cortege is also buried.
At the site of Plasi a fortified Early Helladic installation (3rd millennium BC) and a Middle Helladic settlement (2000-1600 BC), of which a building, a pottery kiln and graves have been investigated.
The world-famous and decisive battle of Marathon (490 BC) was fought between the Athenians, with Plataean support, and the Persians. At the locality Soros stands the tumulus of the 192 Athenians slain on the field of battle (finds in the Marathon Museum). A second tumulus in the area of Vrana (near the Museum), is believed to contain the bones of the Plataean dead.
There were significant sanctuaries in the region, such as the Herakleion, in honour of Herakles, and the sacred temenos of Athena. A large sanctuary of the Egyptian gods (2nd century AD), with monumental propylon and temple, has been excavated in the area of the small marsh of Brexiza. The finds are in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens. Next to it was a thermae complex with several caldaria (2nd century AD). Both structures were built at the expenses of the wealthy philosopher Herodes Atticus (born and died at Marathon, AD 101-177). At the locality Mandra tis Grias (area of Oenoe) is a precinct with ruins of diverse structures that belonged to Herodes' villa (sculptures and inscriptions in the Marathon Museum). Finds from the grave tumuli, the caves and the remaining monuments in the region are exhibited in the archaeological museum.
An Early Christian three-aisled basilica lies on the site now occupied by the Holy Trinity church, beside Lake Marathon. Architectural members from the basilica are incorporated in the walls of the later building.
Wikidata ID: Q13423602
Trismegistos Geo: 37768
Manto: 8189938

Info: Archaeological Atlas of the Aegean

(Archaeological Atlas of the Aegean, Ministry of the Aegean)

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