Histories

Herodotus

Herodotus. Godley, Alfred Denis, translator. Cambridge, MA; London: Harvard University Press; William Heinemann, Ltd., 1920-1925 (printing).

As long as the Greeks who were previously in accord remained so, it would be difficult even for the whole world to overcome them by force of arms; “but if you do as we advise,” said the Thebans, “you will without trouble be master of all their battle plans.

Send money to the men who have power in their cities, and thereby you will divide Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas against itself; after that, with your partisans to aid you, you will easily subdue those who are your adversaries.”

Such was their counsel, but he would not follow it. What he desired was to take Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens once more; this was partly out of mere perversity, and partly because he intended to signify to the king at Sardis [28.0167,38.475] (Perseus) Sardis by a line of beacons across the islands that he held Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens.