039 The Greek Counterattack
The History of Ancient Greece
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Herodotus and the Athenians
Mardonius tried to drive a wedge between the Greeks by forming an alliance with Athens. He believed that since Alexander was a Proxinos and a benefactor of Athens, they'd be more willing to listen to him. The Spartans made it very clear on numerous occasions that they couldn't care less about them. And so their messengers entreated the Athenians not to abandon the Helines, because it was them who started the war in the first place. After hearing what the Spartans had to say, the Athenians then gave this as their answer: We ourselves are already well aware that the forces of the Persians are many times greater than our own. Nevertheless, we shall defend ourselves
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