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§4.93.1

Darius's Conquest and Enslavement of the Getae

Before reaching the Ister, Darius conquers the Getae, who, unlike other Thracian tribes that surrendered peacefully, foolishly resisted and were immediately enslaved.

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§4.93.1

πρὶν δὲ ἀπικέσθαι ἐπὶ τὸν Ἴστρον, πρώτους1 αἱρέει Γέτας τοὺς ἀθανατίζοντας.2 οἱ μὲν γὰρ τὸν Σαλμυδησσὸν ἔχοντες Θρήικες καὶ ὑπὲρ Ἀπολλωνίης τε καὶ Μεσαμβρίης πόλιος οἰκημένοι, καλεύμενοι δὲ Κυρμιάναι καὶ Νιψαῖοι, ἀμαχητὶ σφέας αὐτοὺς παρέδοσαν Δαρείῳ· οἱ δὲ Γέται πρὸς ἀγνωμοσύνην3 τραπόμενοι αὐτίκα ἐδουλώθησαν, Θρηίκων ἐόντες ἀνδρηιότατοι καὶ δικαιότατοι.

​Before arriving at the Ister, he first conquered the Getae, those who believe themselves to be immortal. For the Thracians who hold Salmydessus and those settled to the north of the cities of Apollonia and Mesambria, called the Cyrmianae and the Nipsaeans, surrendered themselves to Darius without a fight; but the Getae, resorting to obstinate resistance, were immediately enslaved, although they are the most courageous and the most just of the Thracians.

Syntax notes3 items
  1. 4.93.1πρώτους

    Predicative adjective used adverbially, modifying the action of the subject: 'first (he conquered the Getae)'.

  2. 4.93.1τοὺς ἀθανατίζοντας

    Present active participle of the verb ἀθανατίζω ('to make immortal' or 'to believe oneself immortal'). In Herodotus, it refers to the religious belief of the Getae that they do not die but go to the deity Salmoxis.

  3. 4.93.1ἀγνωμοσύνην

    Literally 'lack of judgment' or 'obstinacy'. Here it refers to their reckless and stubborn decision to resist the overwhelming military power of the Persian army.

Translated by Gemini 3.5 Flash (published 2026-05-25) · Revision history (1, latest 2026-09-21)
  • 2026-09-21 AI review — note 1
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0016.tlg001.humanitext-grc2:4.93.1