Most often seen in its military context, the Athenians’ defeat of the invading Persian army at Marathon in 490 B.C. actually offers crucial political, social, and economic lessons for contemporary citizens who wish to preserve popular government. Professor Samons will offer an entertaining analysis of the topic, which will hopefully spark a dialogue with those in attendance.

Dr. Samons is a Professor of Classical Studies and Director of Undergraduate Studies at BU. He specializes in the history of Greece in the fifth and sixth centuries B.C., with particular interests in Athenian politics. His current research focuses on the figures of Perikles and Kimon, Athenian foreign policy, and the composition of Herodotus’ and Thucydides’ histories.