A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Μαραθών), the hero eponymus of the Attic town of Marathon. According to some traditions, he was a son of Epopeus; and being driven from Peloponnesus by the violence of his father, he went to Attica. After his father's death, he returned to Peloponnesus, divided his inheritance between his two sons, and then settled in Attica. (Paus. 2.1.1, 15.4, 32.4.) According to others, Marathon was an Arcadian, and took part with the Tyndaridae in their expedition against Attica, and in pursuance of an oracle, devoted himself to death before the beginning of the battle. (Plut. Thes. 32; comp. Philostr. Vit. Soph. 2.7.)

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