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Ionian Revolt

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==The Sack of Sardis==
An Athenian and Eretrian fleet sailed Athenian troops to [[Ephesus]]. There they joined with a force of [[Ionians ]] and marched upon Artaphernes' capital of [[Sardis]]. Artaphernes -- who had sent most of his troops to siege Miletus -- was taken by surprise. Despite his disadvantage, however, Artaphernes was able to retreat to the citadel and hold it. Although the Greeks were unable to take the citadel, they were free to pillage the town. During the pillaging, fires set throughout the city spread out of control and burned Sardis to the ground.
(It is said that when Darius, the Persian Emperor, heard of Sardis being burnt by the Athenians he swore vengeance upon them, and tasked a servant with reminding him three times each day of his vow. In some accounts, Darius is entirely unaware of the existence of Athenians before the attack -- so vast was the Persian Empire, and so minor were the Greek peoples.)

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