The saviour of Athens from the first Persian invasion
Miltiades was the Athenian general who dared to attack when others hesitated, and won at Marathon one of the most famous victories in history. In 490 BC his outnumbered citizen army charged1 a far larger Persian force and drove it back into the sea, saving Athens and buying the Greek world a generation to prepare for the storm to come.
Marathon
When the Persians landed at Marathon in 490 BC, the Athenians marched out to meet them. Miltiades, who knew the Persians from his years under their rule2, urged an immediate attack3. With his line stretched to match the longer Persian front, the centre was left thin and the wings strong, so that when the lines met the Persian centre broke through only to be enveloped3 on both flanks. The invaders were routed and driven back to their ships.4
A 19th-century engraving of leading Athenians, including Miltiades. Public domain.
He attacked when others wavered, and Marathon became a byword for victory against the odds.
Victory against the odds
Marathon was a shock to the whole Greek world. The Persian Empire, the greatest power on earth, had been beaten in the open field by the citizens of a single city. The victory gave Athens enormous confidence and became a founding legend of the democracy, its runners and hoplites remembered ever after.
The Soros, the burial mound raised over the Athenians who fell at Marathon, on the plain where they fought in 490 BC. CC0 (public domain)
A sudden fall
Fame did not last. The next year Miltiades led an expedition against the island of Paros3 that failed badly; he was wounded in the leg2, and on his return he was prosecuted and heavily fined by the Athenians3 he had saved. He died soon afterwards of his wound5, a swift and bitter end for the hero of Marathon.
A bronze Corinthian helmet inscribed with a dedication to Zeus by Miltiades, found at Olympia and generally identified with the victor of Marathon. Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Ken Russell Salvador, CC BY 2.0
He was an Athenian general (c. 550 to 489 BC) famous for leading Athens to victory over the first Persian invasion at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC.
What is Miltiades famous for?
For the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, where his bold tactics defeated a much larger Persian army and saved Athens.
How did Miltiades win at Marathon?
He weakened his centre and strengthened his wings, so the Persian centre broke through but was then surrounded on both sides and routed.
Why is Marathon so famous?
It was the first time the Greeks defeated the mighty Persian Empire in open battle; the victory became a founding legend of Athens and gave its name to the modern race.
What happened to Miltiades after Marathon?
The next year his expedition against Paros failed, he was wounded, and the Athenians prosecuted and fined him; he died soon after of his wound.
Was Miltiades a Spartan or an Athenian?
He was an Athenian general; the Spartans famously arrived at Marathon only after the battle was already won.
Charge the Persians at Marathon
Echoes of Battle brings the great battles of history to life, scene by scene on the real map. Join the list to be first when it launches.
