The word "Marathon" is known in perhaps billions of households around the world. Most commonly, it invokes the 26.2-mile journey between an athlete and an Olympic medal. History enthusiasts may also associate it with the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE against the Persian Empire. Yet despite the importance of both events, the region also plays an important role both in Mythology and in wider history.

An unusual site to find in Ancient Greece, the sanctuary and accompanying baths were built in 160 AD by Roman senator Herodes Atticus between the Marathon beachfront and the wetlands of Brexiza