Miltiades

Miltiades is Born

555 BCE

Miltiades was born to Cimon of Athens, an aristocratic charioteer well known for his success in the Olympics.

Miltiades' Inheritance

516 BCE

When his brother Stesagoras died with no heirs, Miltiades inherited his kingdom, Chersonese, in Asia Minor, north of the site of ancient Troy.

King Darius I Captures Miltiades

513 BCE

King Darius I, King of Persia, led a large army to the area, and Miltiades had no choice but to become vassal to the Persian Empire.

The Colonies Revolt

499 BCE

The Greek colonies in Asia Minor began to revolt against the Persian Empire, and Miltiades supported them in secret, and helped with dispensing further aid from Athens.

The Revolt Dies Down

495 BCE

After the Persian Army put down the revolt, Miltiades’ secretive assistance to the Greeks was revealed, so he fled back to Athens.

The Battle Of Marathon

490 BCE

King Darius I was angered by the revolt, and in turn sent in emissaries to force the Greek city-states to submit to Persian rule, which most of the city-states, of course, declined. One of the major battles that occurred in this time was the Battle of Marathon, a face off between the Persian and Athenian armies. Thanks to Mltiades’ strategy and the efforts of the Athenian army, the Persians were driven back, and fled.

Miltiades' Downfall

489 BCE

After returning home to Athens victorious, Miltiades was sent to the Cyclades to take it back from Persian control. Unfortunately, this battle was won by the Persians, and so, returning in disgrace, Miltiades was charged for treason for his failure and sent to jail, dying there of gangrene from an untreated wound.