Miltiades | |
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Miltiades
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Native name | Μιλτιάδης |
Born | 550 BC Athens |
Died | 489 BC Athens |
Allegiance | Athens |
Rank | General (Strategos) |
Battles/wars |
First Persian invasion of Greece Other
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Memorials | Statue of Nemesis by Pheidias |
First Persian invasion of Greece
Other
Miltiades (/mɪlˈtaɪəˌdiːz/; Greek: Μιλτιάδης; c. 550 – 489 BC), also known as Miltiades the Younger, was the son of Cimon Coalemos, a renowned Olympic chariot-racer. He was an Athenian citizen and is known mostly for his role in the Battle of Marathon, as well as for his downfall afterwards.
Miltiades was a well-born Athenian, and considered himself a member of the Aeacidae, as well as a member of the prominent Philaid clan. He came of age during the tyranny of the Peisistratids. His family was prominent, due in good part to their success with Olympic chariot-racing.Plutarch claimed that Cimon, his father, was known as "Coalemos," meaning simpleton, because he had a reputation for being rough around the edges. But his 3 successive chariot-racing victories at the Olympics made him popular; so popular, in fact, that Herodotus claims that Peisistratos murdered him out of jealousy.
Miltiades was named after his father's maternal half-brother, Miltiades the Elder, who was also a victor at Olympic chariot-racing.