This book describes the events leading up to the ancient Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, and the event which followed and has inspired the modern day long distance footrace.

The ancient Greeks dreamed of peace, yet never stopped fighting, a fact which eventually led to their downfall. This work, an anti-war novel as much as a history lesson, endeavours to make the following points:

a. That war is a tragic and fruitless exercise, even for the victors.

b. Although the technology of warfare has changed the issues most certainly have not.

c. That people living under a democracy are capable of achieving more than people who don't.