Histories

When Alexander returned and told him what he had heard from the Athenians, Mardonius set forth from +Thessaly [22.25,39.5] (region), Greece, Europe Thessaly and led his army with all zeal against Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens;[*](In the summer of 479. Mardonius occupied Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens in July.) he also took with him all the people to whose countries he came along the way. The rulers of +Thessaly [22.25,39.5] (region), Greece, Europe Thessaly did not repent of what they had already done and were readier than before to further his march. Thorax of Larissa, who had given Xerxes safe-conduct in his flight, now, without any attempt of concealment, opened a passage for Mardonius into Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas.

But when, in the course of its march, the army had come into Boeotia (department), Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, Europe Boeotia, the Thebans attempted to stay Mardonius, advising him that he could find no country better fitted than theirs for encampment; he should not (they begged) go further, but rather halt there and subdue all Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas without fighting.

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.