Histiaeus of Miletus (Ἱστιαῖος ὁ Μιλήσιος)

Life Histiaeus was the tyrant of Miletus under Persian suzerainty in the late 6th century BCE. After serving King Darius I, he was detained at the Persian court in Susa [1][2]. He secretly encouraged the Ionian Revolt to engineer his release, but upon returning, he was distrusted by both sides. Following failed attempts to regain power and piratical activities, he was captured and executed by the Persians [1][2].

Works No literary works by Histiaeus are attested. Herodotus, the primary source for his life, portrays him solely as a political actor [1][2].

Significance Histiaeus is a significant figure for his role in the Ionian Revolt, a major prelude to the Greco-Persian Wars. His actions illustrate the complex dynamics of ambition and loyalty among Greek client rulers within the Persian Empire, highlighting their precarious political position.

Sources 1. Encyclopædia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Histiaeus 2. World History Encyclopedia: https://www.worldhistory.org/Ionian_Revolt/ 3. Perseus Digital Library, Herodotus, Histories 5.23-35, 5.105-107, 6.1-5, 6.26-30: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0126 4. Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0104:entry=histiaeus-bio-1