In the eleventh year of their exile, the family of Pisistratus decided the time had come to return to Athens. They set sail from Eretria and crossed the sea to the coast of Attica. Their ships landed near Marathon, a place well known for its wide plains. There, they set up a camp and waited for support.
Soon, followers began to gather around them. Supporters arrived from Athens itself, and many others came from the countryside. These people preferred strong rule under a tyrant rather than the uncertainty of freedom. They believed Pisistratus could bring order and stability.
At first, no one in Athens paid much attention to what Pisistratus was doing. Even after he landed at Marathon, the city remained calm. While Pisistratus was raising money and gathering men, the Athenians did not see him as a serious threat The Marriage of Pisistratus and Its Hidden Problem.
Athens Prepares for Battle
This calm ended when news spread that Pisistratus had left Marathon and was marching toward the city. Only then did the Athenians react. The full force of the state was gathered, and an army was sent out to stop the returning exiles. The goal was to prevent Pisistratus from taking power once again.
Pisistratus and his army marched from Marathon and soon met the Athenian forces near the temple of Athena at Pallene. Both sides set up camps facing each other. The situation was tense, and the outcome of the conflict was uncertain.
A Prophecy Before the Battle
At this critical moment, a soothsayer named Amphilytus appeared. He was from Acarnania and claimed to speak under divine inspiration. He approached Pisistratus and delivered a prophecy in poetic form. He said that the net had been cast and that the fish would soon be caught during the bright night.
Pisistratus understood the meaning of these words. He believed the prophecy promised victory. Trusting in this sign from the gods, he accepted the oracle without hesitation and prepared to attack.
A Surprise Attack
The Athenians from the city were unprepared. They had just finished their midday meal. Some were playing games, while others were resting or sleeping. At that moment, Pisistratus and his troops launched a sudden attack Private Tour Guide Ephesus.
Caught by surprise, the Athenian army broke and fled. Panic spread quickly, and the soldiers scattered in all directions. Pisistratus had achieved a swift and decisive victory.
A Clever Plan to Secure Power
As the Athenians fled, Pisistratus thought carefully about what to do next. He did not want them to regroup and form another army against him. To prevent this, he used a clever and peaceful strategy.
He placed his sons on horseback and sent them ahead to catch up with the fleeing soldiers. His sons told the men not to be afraid and advised each of them to return quietly to their own homes. They promised that no harm would come to them.
The Athenians accepted this advice. They went back to their houses instead of gathering again. With no organized resistance left, Pisistratus entered Athens without further fighting.
Pisistratus Takes Power Once More
In this way, Pisistratus became ruler of Athens for the third time. His victory was not only due to strength but also to careful planning and wise decisions. By combining force, timing, and mercy, he secured his position and restored his rule over the city once again.
