There are several different accounts about what happened to the Samians whom Polycrates sent away on ships. Some writers say that these men never reached Egypt at all. According to this version, when the ships reached the area near Carpathus, the Samians met together and discussed their situation. They realized that they had been sent away not for honor, but to be removed from their homeland. After careful thought, they decided not to continue their journey and turned back Walking Guided Tours Sofia.
Other accounts tell a different story. These say that the Samians did reach Egypt and served there for a time. However, they soon noticed that they were being closely watched and distrusted. Feeling unsafe and unwanted, they chose to desert their post. They then sailed back toward Samos, hoping to regain their city by force.
Battle Between Polycrates and the Exiles
When the returning Samians arrived near Samos, Polycrates reacted quickly. He took his fleet out to meet them, and a naval battle followed. In this sea fight, the exiled Samians were victorious. Encouraged by this success, they landed on the island and prepared to fight Polycrates on land.
A second battle then took place, this time between the land forces. Here the outcome was very different. Polycrates defeated the exiles decisively. Unable to hold their ground, the Samians fled once again, this time sailing away to Lacedaemon, also known as Sparta, to ask for help.
Why Polycrates Was Not Truly Defeated
Some people claimed that the Samians returning from Egypt actually defeated Polycrates. However, this version of events seems unlikely. If the Samians had truly been strong enough to overcome Polycrates on their own, they would not have needed to seek assistance from the Spartans Amasis Breaks His Friendship with Polycrates.
Polycrates was a powerful ruler. He employed many foreign mercenaries and also maintained a strong force of native archers. It is difficult to believe that such a well-prepared king could have been defeated by a small group of returning exiles.
Harsh Measures to Prevent Betrayal
Polycrates also took extreme steps to prevent his remaining subjects from turning against him. To ensure their loyalty, he gathered the wives and children of the Samians and locked them inside the ship sheds near the harbor. These sheds were used to protect his warships.
Polycrates made it clear that if his people betrayed him or joined the exiles, he was prepared to burn the sheds with the families inside. This cruel threat shows the fear and distrust that ruled his government. He relied not only on strength but also on terror to maintain control.
The Samians Seek Help from Sparta
When the banished Samians reached Sparta, they were granted an audience before the Spartan magistrates. Desperate for assistance, they gave a long and emotional speech describing their suffering and asking for military support.
The Spartans, known for their brief and direct manner of speaking, reacted with mockery. They replied that they had forgotten the beginning of the speech and could not understand the rest.
A Simple Message That Succeeded
The Samians were not discouraged. They returned for another audience, but this time they spoke very little. They simply held up a bag and said, “The bag wants flour.” This short statement clearly showed their need and poverty.
The Spartans replied that even mentioning the bag was unnecessary. Still, they understood the message. Moved by the simplicity and directness of the request, they finally decided to give the Samians the help they had asked for.
This story shows how power, fear, and persuasion shaped events in the ancient Greek world. Polycrates ruled through strength and cruelty, while the exiled Samians relied on persistence and clever speech. In the end, it was not long words, but a simple message, that won Spartan support.
