Page 21 - STOLEN LEGACY By George G. M. James

A. The Persian Conquests

After the Persians had conquered the Ionians (possibly ancient Hittites), and made them their
subjects, Polycrates (539–524 B.C.) seized the Island of Samos and made it a famous city.
(Sandford's Mediterranean World c. 9). Between 499 and 494 B.C. the Ionians revolted against
the Persians, who defeated them at Lade, while Cyprus and Miletus were also captured.
(Sandford's Mediterranean World c. 12). In the summer of 490 B.C. Greek and Persian forces
met at Marathon, but after a hand to hand fight, both belligerents withdrew, only to prepare
stronger forces in order to renew the conflict. Accordingly, after ten years had elapsed a Hellenic
League was organized against the Persians, and the Spartan King Leonides was sent with an
army to hold the pass at Thermopylae, until the fleet should win a decisive victory. (C. 12, p.
202; Sandford's Mediterranean World). Accordingly, during the month of August 481 B.C.
Persian ships under the command of Xerxes anchored in the gulf of Pagasae, while the Greeks
anchored off Cape Artemisium. Both sides awaited a favorable opportunity to attack. The
Persians began to force the pass while simultaneously one of their detachments was secretly
aided by a Greek traitor, along a steep mountain pass to the rear of the Greek position. Having
been taken by surprise, the Greek guards immediately withdrew without resistance. The Spartans
who were guarding Thermopylae were all slain and the pass captured by the Persians.
(Sandford's Mediterranean World C. 12 p. 202). Having been defeated at Thermopylae, the
Greeks withdrew to Salamis, where again they encountered a naval engagement with the
Persians. It was late in September 481 B.C., and the result was a wanton destruction of ships on
both sides, without any decision. Both belligerents withdrew: The Persians to Thessaly, and the
Greeks to Attica. (Sandford's Mediterranean World C. 12 p. 203).

With the persistent aim of freedom from Persian domination, Athens, together with the island
and coast cities (of the Aegean and Ionia) renewed their resistance of Persian rule. This was the
confederacy of Delos, which undertook several naval engagements, but with little or no success.
In 467 B.C. the battle of Eurymedon River was fought and lost with a great number of ships.
Eighteen years later (449 B.C.) another naval engagement took place off the island of Cyprus,
but again without decision, and consequently Persian sovereignty over the Greeks remained.
(Sandford's Mediterranean World C. 12 p. 205). In the meantime Sparta, under the terms of the
Treaty of Miletus (413 B.C.) obtained subsidies from Persia, for naval construction, on condition
that she recognize Persian sovereignty over the Ionians and their allies. This was done by Sparta
as a threat to Athenian ambitions.

However, it was not long after the Treaty of Miletus, that the Greeks themselves submitted to the
authority and dominance of the Persians. During the winter 387–386 B.C., the individual Ionian
cities, signed the peace terms of the Persian King, and finally accepted Persian rule. This Treaty
was negotiated by a Spartan envoy who was authorized by the Persian King to enforce its
provisions. (Sandford's Mediterranean World C. 13 and 15, p. 225 and 255).

20

Stolen Legacy: Greek Philosophy is Stolen Egyptian Philosophy by George G. M. James
The Journal of Pan African Studies 2009 eBook