Miltiades the Elder

Miltiades the Elder (ca. 590 – 525 BC) was an Athenian politician from the Philaid family. He is most famous for travelling to the Thracian Chersonese (now Gallipoli) where, at the behest of the local peoples, he ruled as a tyrant. During his reign, Miltiades' best-attested action was the construction of a defensive wall across the peninsula. Miltiades was the uncle of Miltiades the Younger, who was a prominent commander in the Battle of Marathon. Early life and family Miltiades the Elder was born in Athens in around 590 BC. His father was Cypselus the archon; Miltiades also claimed descent from the mythological king Aeacus. During this time, the Philaids were one of the wealthiest families in the city. While living in Athens, Miltiades was a successful athlete. He owned a four-horse chariot, and won an Olympic victory in the chariot race in 560 BC.