Theme Of Karma In Herodotus

In Herodotus sixth book from The Histories, he covers the Ionian revolt, the aftermath, Persian expedition to Marathon, Defense of the Alcmaeonidae and capture of Lemnos. Throughout all the major events which are covered in the sixth book, the common theme of karma is plagued throughout the book. This pattern is especially evident while Herodotus covers Histiaeus rise and subsequent fall, the Persians facing great misfortune after moving forward and lastly Miltiades fatal fall. Herodotus portrayes the theme of Karma to the reader by first introducing Histiaeus while he is caught in a lie regarding his involvement with the Ionian revolt. (6.4.1) Immediately after Histiaeus introduction he is denied entry back into Miletus. (6.5.1) In

Herodotus has done this through tying in the Persians involvement with Histiaeus and his death into their downfall. After enacting a peace agreement for Ionian cities, the Persians shift their attention towards Greece. (6.42.1) This is important to note as Herodotus further builds on the scope of the Persians conquest. However, Herodotus has done this in a way which makes it seem as though they’re overreaching as he only just finished explaining the Persians attack on Lasbos where they captured Histiaeus. By organizing the series of events so closely together, Herodotus is able to lead the reader into thinking about how the Persians actions and

After the Miltiades successful battle of Marathon, he is given a small fleet of ships which he promises will enrich the city. (6.132.1) This is a key detail which Herodotus provides, like the previous two instances the framework has been set to provide another example of past events catching up with the actors. With the newly entrusted ships, Miltiades sets his eyes on Paros. However, Herodotus explains that Miltiades had a underlying motive which was to settle a “grudge against the Parians because Lysagoras son of Tisias.” (6.132.1) This is a key development, as Herodotus has now directed the reader to the understanding that Miltiades acted out of anger rather than rational. Miltiades demands 100 talents to settle the grudge, but the Parians had no intentions in paying. (6.133.3) This subsequently results in Miltiades seeking advice from a priestess, which has him scaling a shrine. Which he does successfully, but falls on the way down.