Pythius
(Pythius the Lydian)
~ 480 BC
 |
XERXES COMMANDS PUNISHMENT OF THE SEA |
Pythius was a very wealthy governor, thought to be a relative of the family of Croesus. The story is told in
Herodotus, of Xerxes's visit to Pythius on his way through Asia Minor. Pythius hosted him in the most
marvelous fashion and lavished money and supplies upon his army which was on its way to the Bosporus. Xerxes
was delighted with his generosity and hospitality and magnanimously refused much of what he offered. Xerxes's goodwill
later emboldened Pythius to make a small request, that the
eldest of his five sons be released from duty in Xerxes army, so that he might care for his father in his
old age. Xerxes was greatly incensed by this request, which he thought implied that his mission to Greece
may be a failure. He had the eldest son of Pythius slain, and cut in half, and marched his entire army between
the two halves, as a warning to all who expressed doubt or reservation about service to their King.
Key events during the life of pythius:
Year |
Event |
480 BC |
Xerxes visited Pythius on his way through Asia Minor to the Bosporus. |
Other Resources
Contemporary |
Short Biography |
Xerxes |
Raised an enormous army for Persian invasion of Greece. Defeated at Battle of Salamis. |