Mardonius

AncientGeneralAchaemenid Empire-550 — -479

Xerxes commander killed at the Battle of Plataea.

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Quick Facts

Born

550 BCE

Died

479 BCE

Country

Achaemenid Empire

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)53

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)41

Leadership (15%)57

Strategy (15%)58

Total Score47.4

Mardonius — Complete Timeline

492 BC

Led the Persian campaign in Thrace and MacedonWar◆ Major

Mardonius led a Persian expedition to subdue Thrace and Macedon, forcing them into submission. This campaign secured the northern flank of the Persian Empire and prepared the ground for the invasion of Greece.

CampaignThraceMacedon

Impact: regional

490 BC

Commanded Persian forces at the Battle of MarathonWar◆ Major

Mardonius was a key commander in the first Persian invasion of Greece. He led the Persian army at the Battle of Marathon, where they were defeated by the Athenians and Plataeans. This defeat delayed Persian plans to conquer Greece.

BattleGreco-Persian Wars

Impact: regionaltragic

481 BC

Advised Xerxes to invade GreecePolitical Action◆ Major

Mardonius was a strong advocate for the second Persian invasion of Greece, urging Xerxes to avenge the defeat at Marathon. His advice influenced Xerxes' decision to launch the massive invasion in 480 BC.

AdviceInvasionGreco-Persian Wars

Impact: regional

479 BC

Commanded Persian forces at the Battle of PlataeaWar

Mardonius commanded the Persian army at the Battle of Plataea, the decisive land battle of the second Persian invasion. The Persian forces were defeated by the Greek coalition, and Mardonius was killed in the fighting. This defeat ended Persian ambitions in Greece.

BattleGreco-Persian WarsDeath

Impact: globaltragic