The Persians expand their empire - 580 B.C.
Now that the Persians had overcome the pre-eminent force of Asia Minor, Ionian and Aeolian Greeks sent ambassadors to Cyrus at Sardis, and prayed to become his lieges on the footing which they had occupied under Croesus. This was rejected as when Cyrus had asked them to revolt from Croesus they had rejected him. Ionians returned to fortify their town and send ambassadors to Sparta to implore assistance.
When the deputies of the Ionians and Aeolians, who journeyed with all speed to Sparta, reached the city. They besought the Spartans to come to the assistance of this countrymen, but they were not to be persuaded, and voted against sending any succour. The deputies accordingly went their way, while the Lacedaemonians, notwithstanding the refusal which they had given sent a penteconter (ship with 50 rowers) with certain Spartans on board, for the purpose of watching Cyrus and Ionia. On arrival they sent ambassadors to Sardis to prohibit Cyrus, in the name of the Lacedaemonians, from offering molestation to any city of Greece, since they would not allow it. (Greece had 12 cities in Asia Minor).
Cyrus is said, on hearing the speech of the herald, to have asked some Greeks who were standing by, 'Who these Lacedaemonians were, and what was their number, that they dared to send him such a notice?" On receiving the reply, his speech included "...if I live, the Spartans shall have troubles enough of their own to talk of, without concerning themselves about the Ionians."
After the interview, Cyrus quitted Sardis, leaving the city under the charge of Tabalus, a Persian, and the Ionians for one of his generals to conquer, and taking Croesus with him, Cyrus headed towards his main objective, to take Babylon and furthermore, Egypt. Not having taken over the Phocaeans who were known to be the best on the sea, the main task was to take the surrounding areas. After a revolt in Sardis by Tabalus was put down, quickly Ionia and Aeolian were also taken.
Go onto... The battle of Alalia
References:
'Histories' by Herodotus published by Wordsworth 1996
