Histories

Furthermore, they appointed the Milesians to guard the passes leading to the heights of Mykale [26.8667,38.1] (Perseus)Mykale, alleging that they were best acquainted with the country. Their true reason, however, for so doing was that the Milesians should be separate from the rest of their army. In such a manner the Persians safeguarded themselves from those Ionians who (they supposed) might turn against them if opportunity were given for themselves: they set their shields close to make a barricade.

The Greeks, having made all their preparations advanced their line against the barbarians. As they went, a rumor spread through the army, and a herald's wand was seen lying by the water-line. The rumor that ran was to the effect that the Greeks were victors over Mardonius' army at a battle in Boeotia (department), Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, Europe Boeotia.

Now there are many clear indications of the divine ordering of things, seeing that a message, which greatly heartened the army and made it ready to face danger, arrived amongst the Greeks the very day on which the Persians' disaster at Plataea [23.2667,38.2] (Perseus) Plataea and that other which was to befall them at Mykale [26.8667,38.1] (Perseus)Mykale took place.