Histories, 6.79

Herodotus  translated by G. C. Macaulay

« Hdt. 6.78 | Hdt. 6.79 | Hdt. 6.80 | About This Work »

79He had with him deserters, and getting information by inquiring of these, he sent a herald and summoned forth those of the Argives who were shut up in the sanctuary, mentioning each by name; and he summoned them forth saying that he had received their ransom. Now among the Peloponnesians ransom is two pounds weight of silver[68] appointed to be paid for each prisoner. So Cleomenes summoned forth about fifty of the Argives one by one and slew them; and it chanced that the rest who were in the enclosure did not perceive that this was being done; for since the grove was thick, those within did not see how it fared with those who were without, at least until one of them climbed up a tree and saw from above that which was being done. Accordingly they then no longer came forth when they were called.

« Hdt. 6.78 | Hdt. 6.79 | Hdt. 6.80 | About This Work »

Notes

  • [68] {duo mneai}: cp. v. 77.