New Film ‘Nenikikamen’ Recreates the Battle of Marathon in Ancient Greek and Old Persian

Greek director Yiannis Stravolaimos is directing a pioneering historical film titled ‘Nenikikamen’ (meaning ‘We Have Won’), which vividly depicts the Battle of Marathon fought in 490 BCE. What sets this film apart is its use of Ancient Greek and Old Persian for all dialogue, making it the first feature-length film to fully utilize these classical languages. Drawing on historical sources like Herodotus, Plutarch, and Pausanias, the film presents both the strategic and mythological aspects of the legendary battle between the Athenians and the invading Persian forces.

Key historical figures such as Miltiades, Themistocles, Aristides, and Pheidippides are brought to life, along with Persian leaders like Darius, Artaphernes, and Datis. The film also includes mythological figures such as Athena, Pan, and the hero Echetlus, highlighting the ancient Greek view of divine intervention in war. ‘Nenikikamen’ casts a diverse group of Greek and international actors, with experts ensuring precise linguistic dubbing for authenticity.

More than a historical retelling, Stravolaimos sees the film as a cultural diplomacy effort, aiming to educate and promote Greece’s classical heritage. The climactic moment—Pheidippides’ final utterance of ‘Nenikikamen’—ties ancient courage to modern values of resilience and freedom. Currently in production, the film is poised to be a landmark in cinematic and linguistic preservation.