What Does the Ionian Revolt Tell Us of the Nature of Persian Imperial Rule?

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What does the Ionian revolt tell us of the nature of Persian imperial rule? Ionian revolt is a rebellion of Greek cities in Ionia (Asia Minor) against Persian Empire that was the beginning of Greek-Persian wars. The rebellion was caused by the dissatisfaction of the eastern shore of the Aegean Sea and Cyprus inhabitants with the Persian rule. The tyrants of Miletus, Histiaeus and Aristagoras, were the initiators of the revolt. The main events of the revolt fixed by Herodotus provide us with important information about Persian rule and the real reasons of Ionian revolt. At first sight, Ionian revolt was caused by the reasons, which can’t be called occasional. Ionian cities were first of all trade centers. The capture of Hellespont and Bosporus by Persians was fatal for the trade and the competition from the side of Phoenician merchants was becoming more and more threatening. Besides the economic damage, Ionian cities suffered from political pressure: in all the cities, ruled by Persians there were tyrants appointed. The failure of The Scythian Campaign of Darius disrupted the prestigious of his army. At last, the fewness of Persian troops located in the western part of Asia Minor made Greeks confident of the fast victory. The history of Fifth century BC deserves special attention. It was an excellent example of how the mistakes in the organization can spoil the results. By the end of sixth century Persia was the most important player on the arena of the Middle East. This country gained much power and influence during the government of Achaemenid dynasty. It conquered such powerful east-Mediterranean states as Midia, Lidia, Babylonia and Egypt. After the last Lidia’s ruler Kreza was defeated, Persians had conquered the Greek colonies that were located at the west coast of Asia Minor. Now it is the territory of the modern Turkey. Most of the
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