Chapter XXXVI

FROM THE IONIC REVOLT TO THE BATTLE OF MARATHON.

Proceedings of the satrap Artaphernês after the reconquest of
Ionia — Mardonius comes with an army into Ionia — he puts down
the despots in the Greek cities. — He marches into Thrace and
Macedonia — his fleet destroyed by a terrible storm near Mount
Athos — he returns into Asia. — Island of Thasos — prepares to
revolt from the Persians — forced to submit. — Preparations of
Darius for invading Greece — he sends heralds round the Grecian
towns to demand earth and water — many of them submit. — Ægina
among those towns which submitted — state and relations of this
island. — Heralds from Darius are put to death, both at Athens
and Sparta. — Effects of this act in throwing Sparta into a state
of hostility against Persia. — The Athenians appeal to Sparta,
in consequence of the _medism_ (or submission to the Persians)
of Ægina. — Interference of Sparta — her distinct acquisition
and acceptance of the leadership of Greece. — One condition of
recognized Spartan leadership was the extreme weakness of Argos
at this moment. — Victorious war of Sparta against Argos. —
Destruction of the Argeians by Kleomenês, in the grove of the
hero Argus. — Kleomenês returns without having attacked the
city of Argos. — He is tried — his peculiar mode of defence
— acquitted. — Argos unable to interfere with Sparta in the
affair of Ægina and in her presidential power. — Kleomenês goes
to Ægina to seize the _medizing_ leaders — resistance made to
him, at the instigation of his colleague Demaratus. — Demaratus
is deposed, and Leotychidês chosen king, by the intrigues of
Kleomenês. — Demaratus leaves Sparta and goes to Darius. —
Kleomenês and Leotychidês go to Ægina, seize ten hostages,
and convey them as prisoners to Athens. — Important effect of
this proceeding upon the result of the first Persian invasion
of Greece. — Assemblage of the vast Persian armament under
Datis at Samos. — He crosses the Ægean — carries the island of
Naxos without resistance — respects Delos. — He reaches Eubœa
— siege and capture of Eretria. — Datis lands at Marathon. —
Existing condition and character of the Athenians. — Miltiadês
— his adventures — chosen one of the ten generals in the year
in which the Persians landed at Marathon. — Themistoklês and
Aristeidês. — Miltiadês, Aristeidês, and perhaps Themistoklês,
were now among the ten stratêgi, or generals, in 490 B. C. —
The Athenians ask aid from Sparta — delay of the Spartans. —
Difference of opinion among the ten Athenian generals — five of
them recommend an immediate battle, the other five are adverse
to it. — Urgent instances of Miltiadês in favor of an immediate
battle — casting-vote of the polemarch determines it. — March of
the Athenians to Marathon — the Platæans spontaneously join them
there. — Numbers of the armies. — Locality of Marathon. — Battle
of Marathon — rapid charge of Miltiadês — defeat of the Persians.
— Loss on both sides. — Ulterior plans of the Persians against
Athens — party in Attica favorable to them. — Rapid march of
Miltiadês back to Athens on the day of the battle. — The Persians
abandon the enterprise, and return home. — Athens rescued through
the speedy battle brought on by Miltiadês. — Change of Grecian
feeling as to the Persians — terror which the latter inspired
at the time of the battle of Marathon. — Immense effect of the
Marathonian victory on the feelings of the Greeks — especially
of the Athenians. — Who were the traitors that invited the
Persians to Athens after the battle — false imputation on the
Alkmæônids. — Supernatural belief connected with the battle —
commemorations of it. — Return of Datis to Asia — fate of the
Eretrian captives. — Glory of Miltiadês — his subsequent conduct
— unsuccessful expedition against Paros — bad hurt of Miltiadês.
— Disgrace of Miltiadês on his return. — He is fined — dies of
his wound — the fine is paid by his son Kimon. — Reflections on
the closing adventures of the life of Miltiadês. — Fickleness
and ingratitude imputed to the Athenians — how far they deserve
the charge. — Usual temper of the Athenian dikasts in estimating
previous services. — Tendency of eminent Greeks to be corrupted
by success. — In what sense it is apparently true that fickleness
was an attribute of the Athenian democracy. 311-378