Histories

When the generals of the Samians learned what the Ionians were doing, they recalled that message which Aeaces son of Syloson had already sent them at the Persians' bidding, entreating them to desert the Ionian alliance; seeing great disorder on the Ionian side, they consented to the message; moreover, it seemed impossible to them to overcome the king's power, and they were well assured that if they overcame Darius' present fleet, another one five times as large would come.

Therefore, as soon as they saw the Ionians refusing to be useful, they took up that for a pretext, considering it advantageous to save their own temples and houses. This Aeaces, from whom they received the message, was the son of Syloson son of Aeaces, and had been tyrant of +Nisos Samos [26.8,37.75] (island), Samos, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Samos until he was deposed from his rule by Aristagoras of Miletus [27.3,37.5] (Perseus) Miletus, just like the other Ionian tyrants.

Now when the Phoenician fleet came sailing against them, the Ionians put out to sea against them with their ships in column. When they drew near and met each other in battle, which of the Ionians were brave men or cowards then in that sea-fight I cannot exactly say; for they all blame each other.

The Samians are said, according to their agreement with Aeaces, to have raised their sails and gone off to +Nisos Samos [26.8,37.75] (island), Samos, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Samos, leaving their post, all except eleven ships.