- BGG rank
- BGG #14,857
- BGG rating
- 6.2
Four Battles of the Ancient World
- 1–2 players
- 60 min
- Complexity 1.9/5
- 1992
- BGG rank
- BGG #21,170
- BGG rating
- 6.3
Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus
2003
Rules assistance for Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 1–2 players
- 90 min
- 12+
- Complexity 2.0/5
Rules assistant for Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus is a board game released in 2003 for 1–2 players, 90 minutes per game, and ages 12 and up. It was designed by Wayland Grace and Larry Baggett and its main mechanics are Hexagon Grid.
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About the game
Marathon and Granicus uses the tried and tested Battles of the Ancient World system which now has clocked up an impressive 17 different battle scenarios spread over 3 boxed sets and 2 magazine game issues. The map is up to the usual high standard of S&T and ancient battles standard. The bay, rises, 2 streams as well as the Persian camp are clearly shown, although the Persian camp hexes sit pretty on the map but appear to have no effect on the game at all - no vps for the Greeks passing through or occupying the hexes at all. The functional counters show Persian footmen, cav and bowmen along with the Greek hoplites. Standard rules are used with specific scenario rules being the Greek charge in turn one which triples their movement, thus all hoplite units are able to crash into the Persian ranks on turn one, if the Greek player feels the urge - and it is advisable, as another rule states, that the disorganized Persian cavalry cannot move and would defend at half strength up until turn 4. Thus the Greek is encouraged to batter through some of the Persian foot and close with the cav before turn 4 if possible. All in all, a fine simulation given the scope of the system rules. The Persians' only good chance is to resist the Greek hoplites with foot until turn 4 and then try and turn any Greek flank possible, by moving their cavalry away and around the Greeks and charging them in clear terrain - if the Greeks allow themselves to be exploited this way, of course.
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- Decision Games (I)
Questions and answers
Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus supports 1–2 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus is 90 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus for ages 12 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus has a complexity rating of 2.0 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus belongs to these categories: Wargame and Ancient. Its main mechanics are Hexagon Grid. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus are: Wayland Grace and Larry Baggett. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Battles of the Ancient World: Marathon and Granicus as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.