Miltiades

Miltiades (Greek: Μιλτιάδη; c. 550 BCE – 489 BCE) was an Athenian general and statesman known for his victory in the Battle of Marathon. He was the father of Kimon, another notable Athenian statesman.

Biography

Battle of Marathon

Miltiades was born in Athens in 550 BCE as the son of Cimon Coalemos, a renowned Olympic charioteer. During the Greco-Persian Wars, Miltiades led the Athenian army against the Persians at the Battle of Marathon, having previously being suspected of aspiring to tyranny. During the battle, Miltiades' strategists suggested waiting for the Persians to attack, while the general suggested that they strike first as the Persians had their backs against the sea. The Athenians rushed head on towards the Persians, who were taken by surprised. Suffering 6,4000 casualties, the Persians were forced back to their ships and had to retreat, leading to a victory for the Athenians who only lost 192 soldiers.

Later life

Miltiades' victory at Marathon earned him much reputation, allowing him to secretly fund a fleet to launch a personal vengeance against the island of Paros, feeling he had been slighted by them in the past. In 489 BCE, Miltiades led an expedition to Paros which ended in failure and led him to suffering a heavy leg wound. He was forced to return to Athens, where he was put on trial for his actions. Though he managed to escape a death penalty, Miltiades was charged with a large fine and eventually died of his injuries shortly after. He was then supposedly buried at the Athenian Tumulus next to his men who died during the Battle of Marathon.

Legacy

Later on, a monument was constructed in Delphi in 465 BCE to commemorate Miltiades' victory at Marathon.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (mentioned only)
  • Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece (mentioned only)