Histories

We of Asia (continent)Asia did not deign to notice the seizure of our women; but the Greeks, for the sake of a Lacedaemonian woman, recruited a great armada, came to Asia (continent)Asia, and destroyed the power of Priam.

Ever since then we have regarded Greeks as our enemies.” For the Persians claim Asia (continent)Asia for their own, and the foreign peoples that inhabit it; Europe (continent)Europe and the Greek people they consider to be separate from them.

Such is the Persian account; in their opinion, it was the taking of Troy [26.2833,39.9167] (Perseus) Troy which began their hatred of the Greeks.

But the Phoenicians do not tell the same story about Io as the Persians. They say that they did not carry her off to Egypt [30,27] (nation), Africa Egypt by force. She had intercourse in Argos [22.7333,37.6417] (Perseus) Argos with the captain of the ship. Then, finding herself pregnant, she was ashamed to have her parents know it, and so, lest they discover her condition, she sailed away with the Phoenicians of her own accord.

These are the stories of the Persians and the Phoenicians. For my part, I shall not say that this or that story is true, but I shall identify the one who I myself know did the Greeks unjust deeds, and thus proceed with my history, and speak of small and great cities of men alike.