Miltiades

Miltiades had lived under Persian rule in the Chersonese and understood their tactics. At Marathon he persuaded the other generals to attack immediately, thinning the centre while strengthening the wings to envelop the Persians. The victory made Athens's reputation and Miltiades a hero — though he died in prison the following year after a failed expedition to Paros.

• Nationality: GR
• Roles: general, strategist