Miltiades the Younger

Biography

Miltiades was the hero of Marathon and one of the most complex figures of the Persian Wars — a man who had served the Persian Empire before becoming its most dangerous opponent. As tyrant of the Thracian Chersonese (Gallipoli peninsula) under Persian overlordship, he had participated in Darius's Scythian campaign and came within a decision of sabotaging Persia's retreat bridge. He fled to Athens when the Ionian Revolt collapsed. At Marathon, Miltiades faced ten generals with equal votes on whether to attack or await. He persuaded six colleagues and the polemarch to fight. His tactical insight was decisive: strengthen the Greek wings, thin the centre, charge at a run. The wings enveloped the Persian infantry, which broke and fled to the ships. It was one of the great tactical improvisations of the ancient world. Glory proved brief. The following year Miltiades led an Athenian expedition against Paros, allegedly for personal reasons. It failed, and he returned to Athens wounded. His political enemies prosecuted him; he died in prison of his wound before sentence could be carried out. Marathon was his monument.

Key Battles