Ancient writers often tried to explain why great wars happened between nations. One of the most famous explanations comes from The Histories by Herodotus. He records stories told by Persians and other Eastern peoples about the long history of conflict between the Greeks and their neighbors. These stories focus on a series of kidnappings and acts of revenge that slowly led to major wars Croesus King of Lydia.
The Abduction of Europa at Tyre
According to these accounts, after the earlier story of Io, another important event took place. Some Greeks, whose exact identity was unknown, landed at the city of Tyre on the Phoenician coast. Many believed these Greeks were from Crete. During their visit, they carried away Europa, the daughter of the Phoenician king.
The Eastern writers claimed that this action was a response to earlier wrongs. They believed the Greeks were taking revenge for Io, who had been taken by the Phoenicians to Egypt. From this point of view, the Greeks felt justified. However, this act only continued the cycle of violence between the two sides.
The Journey to Colchis and the Taking of Medea
Later, the Greeks committed what was seen as an even greater act. They prepared a warship and sailed far east to Aea, a city in Colchis. This city stood on the river Phasis, near the eastern edge of the known world. The Greeks had other business there, but after completing it, they carried off Medea, the daughter of the king of Colchis.
This act deeply offended the king. He sent a messenger to Greece to demand justice. He asked for the return of his daughter and compensation for the wrong done to his family and his kingdom Sightseeing Tour Sofia.
Greek Refusal to Make Amends
The Greeks refused the request. They replied that they had never received justice for the earlier seizure of Io from Argos. Since no payment or apology had been given for that event, they argued they were not required to offer any compensation for Medea. This response angered the Eastern rulers and added another layer to the growing hostility between Greeks and non-Greeks.
Paris and the Abduction of Helen
In the next generation, these old events were remembered by Alexander, also known as Paris, the son of King Priam of Troy. Thinking about the past wrongs between Greeks and Eastern peoples, he decided to take a Greek wife by force. He believed the Greeks would not demand justice successfully, since they had refused justice themselves in earlier cases.
Paris traveled to Greece and carried away Helen, the wife of Menelaus. This act shocked the Greek world and became the direct cause of the Trojan War.
Greek Envoys and the Final Breakdown
Before starting a war, the Greeks sent envoys to Troy. They asked for Helen to be returned and demanded compensation for the insult. However, the Trojans rejected these demands. They reminded the Greeks of the earlier case of Medea and asked how the Greeks could demand justice when they had once refused to give it.
Meaning of These Stories
Herodotus included these stories to show how long-standing anger and revenge can grow into great wars. Each side believed it was acting fairly, yet each action caused more conflict. These ancient tales explain how small acts of violence, when unanswered, can lead to great destruction.