Histories

So far it was a matter of mere seizure on both sides. But after this (the Persians say), the Greeks were very much to blame; for they invaded Asia (continent)Asia before the Persians attacked Europe (continent)Europe.

“We think,” they say, “that it is unjust to carry women off. But to be anxious to avenge rape is foolish: wise men take no notice of such things. For plainly the women would never have been carried away, had they not wanted it themselves.

We of Asia (continent)Asia did not deign to notice the seizure of our women; but the Greeks, for the sake of a Lacedaemonian woman, recruited a great armada, came to Asia (continent)Asia, and destroyed the power of Priam.

Ever since then we have regarded Greeks as our enemies.” For the Persians claim Asia (continent)Asia for their own, and the foreign peoples that inhabit it; Europe (continent)Europe and the Greek people they consider to be separate from them.