Warfare > Siege of Eretria

Siege of Eretria

Background

The Siege of Eretria took place in 490 BCE during the first Persian invasion of Greece. It was a key event leading up to the famous Battle of Marathon. The Persian forces, commanded by Datis and Artaphernes, sought to punish Eretria for its support of the Ionian Revolt. Here is a detailed account of the siege:

Background

1. Ionian Revolt:

   • The Ionian Revolt (499–494 BCE) was a major uprising by the Greek city-states in Asia Minor against Persian rule. Eretria, along with Athens, supported the revolt by sending ships and troops to aid the Ionians.
   • The revolt was ultimately crushed by the Persians, but it left a lasting desire for retribution against those who had supported the rebels.

2. Persian Plans:

   • Darius I, the Persian king, aimed to punish Athens and Eretria for their involvement in the revolt and to expand Persian influence into mainland Greece.
   • In 490 BCE, he dispatched a fleet under the command of Datis and Artaphernes to subjugate the Greek city-states and reassert Persian dominance.

The Siege

1. Persian Landing:

   • The Persian fleet sailed across the Aegean Sea, capturing several islands along the way. They landed at the bay of Eretria, located on the island of Euboea, north of Athens.
   • The Persians quickly disembarked and began preparations to lay siege to the city of Eretria.

2. Defensive Measures:

   • The Eretrians were divided in their response. Some favored resisting the Persians, while others considered surrendering to avoid destruction.
   • Ultimately, the city chose to defend itself, relying on its fortified walls and the support of its citizenry.

3. Conduct of the Siege:

   • The Persian forces besieged Eretria for several days, using their superior numbers and siege tactics to put pressure on the defenders.
   • Despite the initial resolve of the Eretrians, the city was undermined by internal treachery. According to Herodotus, certain Eretrians conspired with the Persians, facilitating their entry into the city.

Outcome

1. Fall of Eretria:

   • After six days of fighting, Eretria fell to the Persians. The city was sacked, and many buildings were set ablaze.
   • The Persians captured and enslaved the surviving inhabitants, transporting them back to Persia as a show of power and retribution.

2. Aftermath and Strategic Impact:

   • The fall of Eretria demonstrated the effectiveness of the Persian military and served as a warning to other Greek city-states about the consequences of defying Persian authority.
   • The Persian fleet then turned its attention to Athens, landing at the plain of Marathon, where they would face the Athenian forces in a decisive battle.

Significance

1. Persian Strategy:

   • The Siege of Eretria was part of a broader strategy by Darius I to punish the Greeks and secure Persian dominance in the region.
   • It showcased the Persian ability to project power across the Aegean and subdue rebellious city-states.

2. Prelude to Marathon:

   • The fall of Eretria set the stage for the Battle of Marathon, where the Athenians, aware of Eretria's fate, were determined to resist Persian conquest.
   • The Athenian victory at Marathon, following the defeat of Eretria, became a pivotal moment in Greek history, boosting Greek morale and demonstrating that the Persians could be defeated.

3. Historical Legacy:

   • The siege underscored the vulnerability of Greek city-states to Persian military might, highlighting the need for unity and effective defense against external threats.
   • It also illustrated the complexities of Greek-Persian relations, with internal divisions and treachery playing significant roles in the outcome of conflicts.

Conclusion

The Siege of Eretria in 490 BCE was a critical event during the first Persian invasion of Greece. The Persian forces, led by Datis and Artaphernes, successfully besieged and captured the city, demonstrating Persian military prowess and serving as a precursor to the Battle of Marathon. The fall of Eretria had significant strategic and psychological impacts, influencing subsequent Greek resistance and shaping the course of the Greco-Persian Wars.