Ionian Revolt
Ionian RevoltThe eastern Greeks, prosperous and compliant subjects of Persia from c.546/5 BC, remained uniquely quiet at Darius I's irregular accession. Further Persian expansion in Egypt, the Black Sea, and Thrace, however, increased imperial tax-exactions and reduced Hellenic market-share and attractive mercenary opportunities. Resenting barbarian overlords, autocratic regimes (see tyranny), and conscript service for Persian power, most Ionian cities (on the modern west coast of Turkey) followed the Milesian Aristagoras in deposing local tyrants (499; Herodotus 5. 37). Significant Athenian and Eretrian assistance arrived to raze Sardis, a satrapal capital. Ethnic religious assembly (the federal sanctuary known as the ‘Panionium’), political organization, and intercity operations proved eastern Greek capacities for unified action....
[The entire page is 435 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Oxford University Press Titles
