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Histories · Character

Datis

Persian general who leads the punitive expedition against Athens and Eretria, carrying orders to restore Hippias and punish the Greeks.

supporting

Also known as Artaphrenes the son of Artaphrenes

First appearance: book vi erato

As a supporting figure in Histories, Datis is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Datis is mentioned as a commander in the earlier expedition against Athens.
In the storyBook VII: PolymniaOpen this moment free

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Datis commands the Persian force sent by Darius to punish Athens and Eretria for their role in the Ionian Revolt, operating alongside Artaphrenes and the exiled tyrant Hippias. His campaign moves through the Aegean,…

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The fuller portrait of Datis sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Datis in book vi erato

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Datis sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

DADariusARAristagorasHIHistiaiosXEXerxesMAMardoniosDADatis

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Kings and commanders of the Greco-Persian Wars
  • Key figures of the Ionian Revolt
  • Greek lawgivers and tyrants

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationBreaking pointClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Closing

This passage marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the Hellene…

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In the story

Datis appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Datis unlock in the free preview.

See Datis in book vi erato
Who is Datis in Histories?