The History: Book VI

From the flames of Miletus to the shores of Marathon.

Explore Herodotus' account of the Ionian Revolt's tragic end, the labyrinthine politics of Sparta, and the miraculous Athenian victory that saved Greece.

The Fall of Ionia

The revolt instigated by Aristagoras and Histiaeus crumbles. At the Battle of Lade, the Ionian fleet faces the might of Persia. Explore the disparity in forces and the devastating betrayal that sealed Miletus' fate.

The Battle of Lade

The Ionian fleet gathered at Lade to defend Miletus. Despite training attempts by Dionysius the Phocaean, discipline broke down. The Persians, with 600 ships, capitalized on internal discord.

The Betrayal

"The Samians, according to the agreement which they had made with Aeaces... hoisted sail, and quitting their post bore away for Samos."

— Herodotus, Ch. 14

Naval Strength at Lade

Total Ionian Ships: 353 | Persian Ships: 600

Click the chart slices to see specific contingent sizes.

Spartan Shadows

While Persia advanced, Sparta was consumed by internal rivalry. The dual monarchy of the Agiads and Eurypontids turned toxic as King Cleomenes plotted against his co-king Demaratus.

Key Figures

Context: Sparta had two kings from two houses (Agiads & Eurypontids). Cleomenes bribed the Oracle at Delphi to declare Demaratus illegitimate.

Cleomenes: The Madness of Power

  • ➤ The Plot: Bribed the Pythian priestess Cobon to declare Demaratus illegitimate.
  • ➤ The Action: Successfully deposed Demaratus and installed Leotychides.
  • ➤ The Fall: Fled to Thessaly/Arcadia when his bribery was revealed. Returned to Sparta but descended into madness.
  • ➤ The End: Committed suicide in prison by horribly mutilating himself with a knife.

The Battle of Marathon

Led by Datis and Artaphernes, guided by the traitor Hippias, the Persians landed at Marathon. With the Spartans delayed by religious festival, the Athenians stood alone (aided only by Plataea).

192
Athenian Dead
6,400
Persian Dead
10
Athenian Generals
1
Traitor (Hippias)

Tactical Simulation

GREEKS
PERSIANS

Click a phase to see the tactic.

Miltiades' Decision

The generals were split 5-5 on whether to fight. Miltiades appealed to the Polemarch Callimachus:

"With thee it rests, Callimachus, either to bring Athens to slavery, or, by securing her freedom, to leave behind thee to all future generations a memory beyond even Harmodius and Aristogeiton."

Callimachus cast the deciding vote. He died bravely in the battle.

Casualty Comparison

The Aftermath

Victory brought glory, but also new conflicts. The Persians retreated, but internal Athenian politics claimed the hero of Marathon.

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The Mystery of the Shield

A shield was flashed as a signal to the Persians to attack Athens while the army was at Marathon. Rumors blamed the Alcmaeonidae family.

"I cannot bring myself to believe that they held up a shield... for they were men who had remained in exile during the whole time the tyranny lasted." — Herodotus

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The Fall of Miltiades

Miltiades requested a fleet for a secret expedition (against Paros). He failed, was wounded, and returned to Athens.

  • • Tried for "deceiving the people".
  • • Fined 50 talents.
  • • Died of gangrene from his thigh wound.