The death of Pheidippedes

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

But still all this is speculation. It is speculation even that the runner would have to fight and that he had to carry a shield. Things were not so primitive as to the professional runner would have to carry a shield or he would be called a "ripsaspis"(shield thrower) nor do we have to assume that every single Athenian fought the battle. In an army,even in those early ones, many people have different and with the same importance tasks,like to ensure comunication between the generals and allies. In all, I find it possible that a runner run the distance after the battle,and also that someone from the hoplites,or some of the hoplites,died of exhaustion,dehydration and/or wounds while marching to Athens. Thus the legend of Pheidippides. But It's far too dramatic for that he only shouted "Nenikikamen" and he died,and combined with the fact the Lucian is the saurce...
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Giannis