The Ionian Revolt

Ionia, Lydia. 10th-8th centuries BC. Greeks establish colonies on the west coast of modern Turkey. The area of Greek settlement becomes known as ‘Ionia’. 595-546 BC King Croesus of Lydia captures the Greek cities of Ionia. Sardis developed as capital city of the Kingdom of Lydia. Croesus consults the Oracle of Delphi: ‘If you attack the Persians you will destroy a great empire’ 547 BC Croesus invades Persia. Counter invasion by Cyrus the Great defeats and captures Croesus.

IONIA?

546 BC. Greek cities of Ionia conquered by Persia under King Cyrus 546 BC Greek cities of Ionia conquered by Persia under King Cyrus. Become tribute-paying subjects of Persian Empire under the leadership of a tyrants. Subservient to the satrap of Lydia.

516 – 514 BC Scythian campaign

Should we?

500 BC Naxos revolts against their tyrant. Tyrant of Naxos asks Aristagoras of Miletus for help. Aristagoras asks Arthaphernes, satrap of Lydia, to attack Naxos. Aristagoras changes sides and warns the Naxians of the impending invasion. Naxos holds out. Lydian fleet withdraws.

499 BC The Ionian Revolt Aristagoras of Miletus leads the revolt against Persian rule in Ionia.

Cry for help Aristagoras asks the Mainland Greeks for help in the revolt. X Sparta refuses. Athens agrees and sends 3000 soldiers. Eretria sends soldiers.

498 BC The Sack of Sardis

Herodotus 5.105 “When King Darius was informed that Sardis had been captured and burned by the Athenians and the Ionians…he first (so the story goes), when he heard the news, made no account of the Ionians--for he knew well that they would surely not get off scot-free for their rebellion--but he put the question, “Who are the Athenians?” and, having his answer, asked for a bow. He took it, fitted an arrow to it, and shot it into the sky, and as he sent it up he prayed, “Zeus, grant me the chance of punishing the Athenians.” Having said that, he ordered one of his servants that, as often as a meal was set before him, the man should says three times, ‘Master, remember the Athenians’.”

497 BC Persian counter attacks begin. Greeks suffer defeat at Ephesus. Athenians and Eretrians return home. Aristagoras killed in 496 BC Histaeus appointed by Darius to complete quelling of revolt.

Battle of Lade 494 BC