Artaphernes

Darius I appointed his brother Artaphernes as satrap of Lydia, a key province in western Anatolia. He administered the satrapy from Sardis, overseeing the collection of tribute and maintaining Persian control over the Greek city-states of Ionia.

Artaphernes received an Athenian embassy seeking Persian support against Sparta. He demanded earth and water as tokens of submission, which the Athenians gave. This agreement briefly made Athens a Persian ally, though it later contributed to the Persian Wars.

Artaphernes, as satrap of Lydia, played a key role in suppressing the Ionian Revolt against Persian rule. He coordinated military operations with the Persian fleet and reimposed Persian authority over the rebellious Greek cities, including the sack of Miletus.