Earth and water

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In the writings of the Ancient Greek chronicler Herodotus, the phrase earth and water (γῆ καί ὕδωρ) is used to represent the demand of the Persians from the cities or people who surrendered to them.

Usage in Herodotus' histories

In book 4, Herodotus mentions for the first time the term earth and water in the answer of king Idanthyrsos of the Scythians to king Darius.

In book 5, it is reported that Darius sent heralds demanding earth and water from king Amyntas I of Macedon.

In the 6th book, Darius sent heralds throughout Hellas bidding them demand earth and water for the king.

Interpretation

The demand for earth and water symbolized that those surrendering to Persians gave up all their rights over their land and every product of the land. Giving earth and water they recognized the Persian authority over everything; even their lives belonged to the king of Persians. Then negotiations would take place to specify the obligations and the benefits of the liegemen.

The phrase earth and water, even in modern Greek, symbolizes unconditional subordination to a conqueror.

According to the modern historian J. M. Balcer, the significance of earth and water is that they were Zoroastrian symbols and representative of vassalage to the Persian Empire. "Persian heralds traveled throughout Greece demanding the recognition of Persian Suzerainty and the Zoroastrian symbols of earth and water, the marks of vassalage...".

References

See also

Persian Wars

External links

• Livius.org: Earth and water

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