When the message concerning the fight at Marathon came to Darius son of Hystaspes, already greatly angry against the Athenians for their attack upon Sardis [28.0167,38.475] (Perseus) Sardis, he was now much more angry and eager to send an expedition against Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas.

Immediately he sent messengers to all the cities and commanded them to equip an army, instructing each to provide many more ships and horses and provisions and transport vessels than they had before. Asia (continent)Asia was in commotion with these messages for three years,489-487. as the best men were enrolled for service against Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas and made preparations.

In the fourth year the Egyptians, whom Cambyses had enslaved, revolted from the Persians; thereupon Darius was even more eager to send expeditions against both.