# Miltiades — Histories character guide

> Miltiades in Histories by Herodotus.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Miltiades the Athenian, this Miltiades son of Kimon

**First appearance:** 0007-book-vi-erato

## Snapshot

Athenian general whose knowledge of Persian warfare and forceful voice at Marathon turn a desperate defense into a decisive victory.

## Who they are

Miltiades is an Athenian aristocrat with firsthand experience of Persian power, having once ruled a Thracian colony under Darius before fleeing home. When the Persians land at Marathon, he is the general whose counsel carries the day, arguing for immediate battle rather than waiting for Spartan reinforcements. His insistence on fighting shapes Athens' finest hour and secures his city's place as the leading Greek power against Persia.

## Relationships

### [Cyrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/cyrus)

_rivalry_

Miltiades, a Greek general, opposes Cyrus's expansionist policies and fights against Persia.

### [Cambyses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/cambyses)

_rivalry_

Miltiades opposes Cambyses during the Persian campaigns in Greece and Thrace.

### [Cambyses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/cambyses)

_rivalry_

Miltiades opposes Cambyses during the Persian campaigns in Greece and Thrace.

## In the story

### [Book IV: Melpomene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-iv-melpomene)

Athenian commander and despot of the Chersonese, advocates for destroying the bridge and freeing Ionia.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/miltiades
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters