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Revision as of 17:40, 6 July 2006
According to Herodotus the Persians demanded earth and water (Template:Polytonic) from the cities or people who surrendered to them. On book 4, Herodotus mentions for the first time the term earth and water in the answer of king Idanthyrsos of the Scythians to king Dareios.
On the 5th book, Dareios sent heralds demanding earth and water from king Amyntas I of Macedon.
On the 6th book, Dareios sent heralds throughout Hellas bidding them demand earth and water for the king.
The demand for earth and water symbolized that those surrendering to Persians gave up all their rights over their land and every product of the land. Giving earth and water they recognized the persian authority on everything, even their lives belonged to the king of Persians. Then negotiations would take place to specify the obligations and the benefits of the liegemen.
The phrase earth and water, even in modern Greek, symbolizes unconditional subordination to a conqueror.