A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Μειδίας), a native of Scepsis, and son-in-law of Mania, satrapess of the Midland Aeolis, whom he strangled, and added to the crime the murder of her son, a boy about sixteen years old. He then seized the towns of Scepsis and Gergis, where the greater part of Mania's treasures was deposited. The other cities, however, of the satrapy refused to acknowledge him as their ruler, and, when he sent presents to Pharnabazus with a request to be invested with the government which his mother-in-law had held, he received a threatening answer and an assurance that the satrap would rather die than leave Mania unrevenged. At this crisis Dercyllidas, the Spartan general, arrived in Asia (B. C. 399), and, having proclaimed freedom to all the Aeolian towns and received several of them into alliance, advanced against Scepsis, where Meidias was. The latter, equally afraid of Pharnabazus and of the Scepsians, sent to Dercyllidas to propose a conference on receiving hostages for his safety. These he obtained; but, when he asked on what terms he might hope for alliance, the Spartan answered, " on condition of giving freedom and independence to the citizens" He then entered Scepsis and proclaimed liberty amidst the joy of the inhabitants. Meidias, accompanying him thence on his march to Gergis, begged leave to retain the town, and received for answer, that he should have his due. Having taken possession of the place, Dercyllidas deprived Meidias of his guards, and seized the treasures of Mania as his by right of conquest over Pharnabazus, leaving to Meidias nothing beyond his private property. The murderer, alarmed with good reason for his safety, asked where he was to live ? " Even where it is most just you should,"-- was the answer, -- "in Scepsis, your native city, and in your father's house," -- words which could have conveyed to him no other meaning than, " Even where you will be exposed unprotected to the indignation and vengeance of your countrymen." (Xen. Hell. 3.1. §§ 14-28; Polvaen. 2.6.) [MIDIAS.]

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