He sent heralds this way and that throughout Hellas, bidding them demand a gift of earth and water for the king.

Hello everybody, this is Trevor Cully, host of the History of Persia Podcast.

And that was a quote from Herodotus's history's book six, describing Darius the Great asking the cities of Greece for submission to the King of Kings and the Persian Empire.

Of course, you've already heard that story on this show, but the story of Persia goes far beyond those wars with the Hellenes.

The Akeminid Persians pioneered the concept of truly multinational empire building

that incorporated people from Greece all the way to India.

It includes tales from the Bible, a new epoch in Middle Eastern culture,

the ancient and influential religion of Zoroastrianism and an evil priest who replaced and impersonated the king.

Of course, they also have more of a role to play with the Greeks, who despite their victories remain in the shadow of their colossal

neighbor, who went on to play a role in the Peloponnesian war and hired thousands of Greek mercenaries

before coming to a dramatic close on the losing side of Alexander the Great's

conquests, living on as the foundations of the Hellenistic Seleucid and Parthian empires.

If that story and the cultures that surround it sound interesting to you,

come do some meadizing over at the History of Persia Podcast on History of Persia Podcast.

WordPress.com, or on whatever app it is that you use to listen to your favorite podcasts.

Like this one, I promise Ryan won't ostracize you, and don't forget those gifts of earth and water. Oh, So, The Hello, I'm Ryan Stitt, and welcome back to the history of ancient Greece.

Episode 94, new leaders and new strategies.

The Athenian response to the Mydolanian revolt reflected a newer aggressive spirit

that began to challenge the older moderate approach of

Pericles' associates as the elections for the 10th Strathigoy at 427 BC brought to

power two new generals, Ury Meadon and Demosthenes, who would soon introduce even bolder

policies.

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