Histories

Herodotus

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

They do not all have the same intent, and they will no longer oppose you. Instead you will see them fighting against themselves, those who are on your side against those who are not.” After indicating this to them he departed.

Finding the message credible, they first landed many of the Persians on the islet of Psyttalea, which lies between Salamis (island), Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, EuropeSalamis and the mainland. When it was midnight, they brought their western wing in a circle towards Salamis (island), Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, EuropeSalamis, and those stationed at +Kea [24.366,37.566] (island), Cyclades, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Ceos and Cynosura also put out to sea, occupying all the passage as far as Munychia with their ships.

They launched their ships in this way so that the Hellenes would have no escape: they would be trapped at Salamis (island), Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, EuropeSalamis and pay the penalty for the battles at +Artemisium [23.2417,39.0083] (Perseus) Artemisium. The purpose of their landing Persians on the islet called Psyttalea was this: when the battle took place, it was chiefly there that the men and wrecks would be washed ashore, for the island lay in the path of the impending battle. The Persians would be able to save some of those who washed up and kill the others.

They did this in silence for fear that their enemies hear, making their preparations at night without sleep.

I cannot say against oracles that they are not true, and I do not wish to try to discredit them when they speak plainly. Look at the following matter:

  1. When the sacred headland of golden-sworded Artemis and Cynosura by the sea they bridge with ships,
  2. After sacking shiny Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens in mad hope,
  3. Divine Justice will extinguish mighty Greed the son of Insolence
  4. Lusting terribly, thinking to devour all.

  1. Bronze will come together with bronze, and Ares
  2. Will redden the sea with blood. To Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas the day of freedom
  3. Far-seeing Zeus and august Victory will bring.
Considering this, I dare to say nothing against Bacis concerning oracles when he speaks so plainly, nor will I consent to it by others.