# Deception and Cunning in Histories

> Theme guide for Histories by Herodotus.

Trickery, bribery, and strategic deceit are recurring tools used by both individuals and states to achieve goals, such as Themistocles bribing commanders or the Scythians using whips to subdue rebellious slaves.

## Where it surfaces

- [Book I: Clio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-i-clio): Croesus advises Cyrus to use a deceptive feast to lure the Massagetae into a trap, highlighting the role of stratagem in warfare.
- [Book III: Thaleia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-iii-thaleia): Demokedes uses cunning to escape Persian custody, and Syloson's gift of the mantle is a strategic act that later yields political favor.
- [Book IV: Melpomene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-iv-melpomene): The Scythians use strategic retreat, cryptic gifts, and psychological warfare; the Ionians feign cooperation with the Scythians while secretly preserving the bridge.
- [Book V: Terpsichore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-v-terpsichore): Histiaios deceives Xerxes with promises of conquering Sardinia to secure his release and return to Ionia.
- [Book VI: Erato](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-vi-erato): Histiaios attempts to save his life by revealing his identity in Persian, hoping for clemency from Darius, but is thwarted by Artaphrenes.
- [Book VIII: Urania](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-viii-urania): Artemisia's ruse of ramming a Calyndian ship to escape an Athenian pursuer exemplifies cunning deception, as she misleads both the Athenians and Xerxes.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/themes/deception_and_cunning
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/themes