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How did Athens and Eretria support the Ionian Revolt?

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Darius the Great — Darius I This chromolithograph of a frieze at Susa depicts attendants serving Darius I.

In 499 BCE, the Milesian tyrant Aristagoras sought military aid from Greek mainland states to support the Ionian Revolt against Darius I of Persia. While the Spartans declined to participate, Athens and Eretria agreed to provide naval support.12

Athens contributed 20 triremes, and Eretria provided 5 triremes. These ships arrived in 498 BCE, enabling the Ionians to launch an offensive that resulted in the capture and burning of Sardis, the capital of the Persian satrapy. This act of intervention was a significant commitment for Athens, which at the time had limited naval resources. Following this operation, the Athenian ships were withdrawn, and the Eretrians likely followed suit.21

Darius I later used this Athenian involvement as a pretext for his subsequent invasion of Greece, which ultimately led to the Greco-Persian Wars.3