News update 29/04/2022 1

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rybalc...@gmail.com

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Apr 29, 2022, 9:51:06 AM4/29/22
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The appearance of the Greek fleet at Byzantium was so unexpected for the Persians that the Greeks already in the summer of 478 BC. e. they captured the city, despite its strong fortifications, taking, in addition to rich booty, many prisoners, among whom were close relatives of the Persian king.
This new success was disastrous for Pausanias, as his arrogance turned into megalomania. Even before that, the rich booty of the Battle of Plataea so turned the head of the Spartan, brought up in severity and simplicity, that he began to consider himself superior to all allies and lead an unbridled life.

As the conqueror of Crete and Byzantium, he imagined himself even more. Having received innumerable booty and addicted to oriental luxury, he was no longer able to return to the shy and modest living conditions of his homeland. During the stay of the fleet in Byzantium, he had a plan to become the ruler of all Greece with the assistance of the Persians. To do this, he, through the mediation of noble Persian captives, released by him to freedom, entered into intercourse with Xerxes, who was in Sardis.

At the same time, he changed his treatment of his subordinates and, giving vent to his lust for power, began to flog the guilty with a whip, as if they were his slaves. Of course, he spared the Spartans, but he treated the rest of the Greeks and imposed cruel disciplinary punishments; so, for example, he made people stand for a whole day with a heavy iron anchor on their shoulders. When Aristides reproached him for this, he did not even want to listen to him.
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