Athenian
general who commanded at Marathon. When the Persian enemy arrived
at Marathon (490), Miltiades went there to protect Athens from the
land side. After a few days’ delay the Persians began the march toward
Athens, and Miltiades attacked. He had an infantry that was greatly
outnumbered, but the Greek spears and armor outweighed Persian arms.
The Athenian center gave way and the wings enveloped the Persians,
vanquishing them. The Persians retreated to their ships and set out
at once by sea to attack Athens, the army being absent. Perhaps the
chief glory of Miltiades was that he brought his army, which had been
fighting all day, in a 20-mi (32-km) race back to Athens; in the morning
when the Persian fleet arrived off Athens, Miltiades and his army
were ready. After the battle Miltiades was given a fleet. |