# Demokedes — Histories character guide

> Demokedes in Histories by Herodotus.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Demokedes of Croton

**First appearance:** 0004-book-iii-thaleia

## Snapshot

A Greek doctor from Croton whose skill pulls him up the Persian court, from Polycrates's service to Darius's bedside.

## Who they are

Demokedes begins as a physician in demand, moving from his native Croton to Aegina, Athens, and Samos, until Polycrates hands him over to the Persians and he finds himself tending Darius himself. His medical talent wins him wealth and standing, but his real desire is to get home to Greece, and he schemes toward that end while serving a king who will not easily let him go. He embodies the Greek caught inside the Persian world, useful, honored, and quietly plotting his escape.

## In the story

### [Book III: Thaleia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-iii-thaleia)

Greek physician who heals Darius's foot and later escapes Persian custody in Croton.

## Links

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