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→The Revolt of Naxos
In [[502 BC]], the people of [[Naxos]], an island in the [[Aegean Sea]] controlled by the Persian Empire, revolted. The former rulers of Naxos appealed to [[Aristagoras]], the Greek tyrant of the [[Ionia]]n city-state of [[Miletus]], for aid. Aristagoras agreed, hoping to annex Naxos for himself once the conflict was resolved.
In order to prosecute the campaign, Aristagoras, in turn, sought out the aid of [[Artaphernes]], the satrap of [[Lydia]] and brother to [[Darius I of Persia]]. Artaphernes agreed to supply Aristagoras with a fleet of ships under the command of the esteemed Persian admiral [[Megabates]]. In order to secure the alliance, however, Aristagoras not only offered to share with Artaphernes the spoils of annexing Naxos, but also promised to reduce the [[Cyclades]] and perhaps [[Euboea]] herself. This was a promise Aristagoras could not keep unless the expedition were successful.
While preparing for the campaign, however, Aristagoras managed to offend Megabates, and the admiral secretly informed the Naxians of the coming invasion. As a result, when the fleet arrived, they were met with unexpected preparation and resistance. In [[499 BC]] after four months, the abortive expedition was forced to retreat.
