Histories · Chapter
Book IX: Calliope explained
Mardonios leads the Persian army toward Athens, but the Athenians have evacuated to Salamis.
What happens
Mardonios leads the Persian army toward Athens, but the Athenians have evacuated to Salamis. The Persians capture an empty Athens and send offers of alliance, which the Athenians reject, even stoning one councilor who suggests considering them. The Greek generals, led by Pausanias, struggle with Persian cavalry harassment and water shortages, and plan to move their camp to the Island near Plataea. The chapter also includes a flashback to Cyrus advising the Persians to remain on rugged land to preserve their martial prowess and rule.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Slavery
The Athenians' refusal to submit to Persian offers, even at great cost, underscores their commitment to freedom over subjugation.
Power and Tyranny
Mardonios's obstinate desire to recapture Athens and his disregard for Theban advice illustrate the hubris of imperial power.
Conflict and Warfare
The tactical challenges of cavalry harassment, water supply, and the planned night move highlight the realities of ancient warfare.
Characters to notice
- Mardonios
Leads the Persian army from Thessaly to Athens, captures the deserted city, and sends envoys to Salamis with peace proposals.
- Pausanias
Greek general on the right wing; convenes the generals to discuss the crisis of water shortage and cavalry attacks, and plans the move to the Island.
- Alexander
Previously sent by Mardonios to Athens with proposals; his mission is referenced as having been repeated by Morychides.
- Cyrus
In a flashback, advises the Persians to remain on poor, rugged land to maintain their warrior spirit and avoid becoming subjects.
- Xerxes
Mentioned as having been escorted in flight by Thorax of Larissa; Mardonios intends to signal to him via beacon-fires.
Key passages
“we engaged battle and came to hand-to-hand conflict we saw you already flee and leave your station, desiring to make the trial with the Athenians first, while ye ranged yourselves opposite to our slaves.”
During the battle, we saw you flee your post, wanting to fight the Athenians first while you faced our slaves.
A herald from the Persians taunts the Greeks for their cowardice and challenges them to a fair fight.
“Send money to the men who have power in their cities, and thus sending thou wilt divide Hellas into two parties: after that thou wilt with ease subdue by the help of thy party those who are not inclined to thy side.”
Bribe the influential men in Greek cities to split their alliance, then use your faction to conquer the rest.
The Thebans advise Mardonios to use bribery rather than open battle to subdue Greece.
“For from lands which are not rugged men who are not rugged are apt to come forth, since it does not belong to the same land to bring forth fruits of the earth which are admirable and also men who are good in war.”
Soft lands produce soft men; a country cannot yield both excellent crops and excellent warriors.
Cyrus explains to the Persians that choosing fertile land would lead to losing their martial character and their empire.