Battle of Lade: What Happened
In 494 BC, the rebel Greek fleet of the Ionian Revolt met the Persian navy near Lade, a small island off Miletus, in one of the largest naval battles of the time. According to Herodotus, the Greeks gathered 353 ships from Chios, Miletus, Samos, Lesbos and other cities, while the Persian fleet, drawn from Phoenicia, Egypt, Cyprus and Cilicia, numbered around 600. Before the battle, Dionysius of Phocaea took command and put the crews through days of hard training, but the rowers grew tired of the harsh discipline and refused to continue. Meanwhile, the Persians secretly persuaded some Greek commanders to defect. When the battle began, most of the Samian ships sailed away, followed by the ships from Lesbos, and the Greek line collapsed. The Chians fought bravely but were overwhelmed. The defeat decided the fate of the Ionian Revolt. Persia went on to besiege and destroy Miletus in 494 BC, and by 493 BC the uprising was over. The Persian king then turned his attention to punishing Athens and Eretria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Lade?
The Battle of Lade was a naval battle fought in 494 BC near Miletus, in which the Persian fleet defeated the rebel Greek fleet of the Ionian Revolt.
How many ships fought at Lade?
According to Herodotus, the Greeks gathered 353 ships from Chios, Miletus, Samos, Lesbos and other cities, while the Persian fleet numbered around 600.
Why did the Greeks lose at Lade?
The Greek crews grew tired of harsh training, and the Persians secretly persuaded some commanders to defect. When most Samian ships sailed away, followed by those from Lesbos, the Greek line collapsed.
What happened after the Battle of Lade?
Persia besieged and destroyed Miletus, killing or deporting its people. The Ionian Revolt was crushed by 493 BC, and Persia turned its attention to Athens and Eretria.
Where is Lade today?
Lade was a small island off Miletus, on the coast of modern Turkey. Because of river silt, the area is now dry land, and the island is part of the mainland.
