Artapherness

Artapherness was a Persian commander and nobleman who played a significant role in the early Persian Wars against the Greek city-states. He was the son of Hystaspes and the brother of Darius I, the Great King of Persia. This familial connection placed him in a position of considerable power and influence within the Achaemenid Empire.

Artapherness is primarily known for his involvement in the Ionian Revolt (499-494 BCE). He was dispatched by Darius I to crush the rebellion of the Greek cities in Ionia, which had revolted against Persian rule with the support of Athens and Eretria. Artapherness, along with Datis, led the Persian forces that besieged and captured Miletus, the main center of the revolt, effectively ending the uprising.

Following the suppression of the Ionian Revolt, Artapherness and Datis were entrusted with the command of the first Persian expeditionary force sent against mainland Greece in 490 BCE. Their objective was to punish Athens and Eretria for their support of the Ionians. They sailed across the Aegean Sea, subjugated several islands, and landed at Marathon in Attica. The Persian army was ultimately defeated by the Athenians at the Battle of Marathon, a significant setback for Persian expansion into Greece.

Little is known about Artapherness's life or death after the Battle of Marathon. His career highlights his importance as a military leader and a trusted figure within the Persian court during a pivotal period of Persian imperial expansion and conflict with the Greek world.