Histories

The Athenian generals were of divided opinion, some advocating not fighting because they were too few to attack the army of the Medes; others, including Miltiades, advocating fighting.

Thus they were at odds, and the inferior plan prevailed. An eleventh man had a vote, chosen by lot to be polemarch[*](One of the nine archons, all chosen by lot.) of Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens, and by ancient custom the Athenians had made his vote of equal weight with the generals. Callimachus of Aphidnae was polemarch at this time. Miltiades approached him and said,