Greek Polis Reactions to the Persian Threat Flashcards
What is a ‘mediser’?
One who sympathises/gives in to the Persian threat - sides with the Persians as opposed to
How does Herodotus record the identities of poleis that medised?
Carefully - names them specifically in order to hold them accountable for their actions and to blame them for the initial disunity of the Greeks
In what two passages is medising mentioned?
- 48 - Darius I’s invasion - demands earth and water as symbols of submission - allowed him to physically know what poleis would willingly submit to him
- 93-5 - similar situation, but with Xerxes
When do the passages involving medising occur?
At the beginning of both invasions
Name a polis who submitted to Darius following 6.48
The Aeginetans, in passage 6.48
What passage of Histories presents acts of resistance to the Persian threat by poleis
7.133 - Athens, witty act of resistance in response to Darius’ request of earth and water
Name two medising poleis mentioned in 7.93-5
The Dorians and the Ionians
In what passage does Herodotus mention how some poleis were forced to supply Xerxes with ships?
7.132-3 - Herodotus names and shames these poleis
Was it more unusual to submit or resist the Persian threat?
Resist
What two poleis were prepared to go over to the Persians if resistance proved futile?
Syracuse and Korkyra - both possible medisers, would only do so at the point which benefits them most as it was politically advantagous
Why was it important to Herodotus to highlight medisers?
Allowed him to emphasise the severity of the Persian threat
What polis was seen as the worst type of mediser by Herodotus and why?
Thebes - the Thebans fought alongside the Greeks at the Battle of Thermopylae, but surrendered, showing they are opportunists. Athens attacks Thebes after the Battle of Platea, implying that they are also now part of the Persian problem and traitors to the Greek cause
In what passage does Herodotus single out the Boeotians as the ‘least Greek’ and most insistent of medisers?
9.67
What poleis does Herodotus’ sympathise with?
The Thessalians - only changes sides after appealing for help from other Greeks in attempt to resist the Persian threat
The Teneans - deserted the Persians at Salamis and joined the allies
What can be seen as an explanation for Herodotus’ approach towards medising Greeks?
Hdt mentions at the beginning of his writing that his purpose as a historian is to remember the glorious and unworthy deeds of men - could provide an explanation for why he explicitly names and shames poleis to record what they have done
Also serves a literary function - makes the Persian threat appear even more severe - emphasises the size of the Persian army, and the power of the Greeks in return. Suspenseful - increases tension. Highlights the heroism of poleis who resist
