Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece

The admiral who was expelled by the people of Athens was able to be reused in Phrygia not only because of his talent in naval warfare, but also because he was a good friend of Phrygia's governor Alio Bazenis.

How could a wandering Athenian become friends with a respected governor of Persia?

The reason can be traced back decades ago. After the Peloponnesian War, the famous Athenian admiral Konun fled to Persia. He was treated by Cyrus, the military commander of Western Asia Minor, and settled down. The close contacts between the Persian nobles in the United States laid the foundation for him to be the commander of the Persian Asia Minor fleet.

And his son Timothy also had a lot of young Persian nobles because he lived in Western Asia Minor for many years, and Ario Bazenis was one of them.After Timothy returned to Athens, the two sides still kept in touch. This time he was expelled from Athens. The first thing he thought of was to seek refuge with a friend who had become the Governor.

Ario Bazenis was happy for the arrival of his friend. He also knew his friend's abilities very well. After only half a year, he was very boldly promoted to the commander of the fleet.

Today, Aliobazenis sent someone to inform Timothy that there was an important matter to discuss with him.Although the messenger didn't tell Timothy what was important, he had a foreboding that the things he had been requesting had had the result, so he rode to the governor's residence in Phrygia with some anxiety in his heart.

The residence of Aliobazenis was in Geldium on the right bank of the Sakarya River, the central town of Phrygia. Timothy broke three horses and finally arrived there at dusk on the fifth day.

Alio Bazenis, who had been notified by the messenger, went out to greet him personally, and said seriously: “Timothys, I’m really sorry! I have already severely punished the messenger who brought you here. He didn’t fully understand my order. I didn’t explain it clearly to you. In fact, it’s not urgent, but it leaves you busy with almost no rest. If anything happens to you on the road, I will be very guilty and uneasy. Fortunately, God Mazda blessed me. !"

Timothy was a little moved by Alioba Zenith's concern. He hurriedly saluted and said, "Your Excellency--"

Alio Bazenis interrupted him immediately, displeased: "Hey, how come you haven't seen me in a few months? Your name to me has changed! You are my friend first, and then my subordinate temporarily, I I hope this friendship will last long, so you'd better call me as you always did."

For the Athenians who didn't like to bow to their knees, this was exactly what Timothy wanted, and he immediately changed his words: "Ario, I wonder why you called me this time?"

Alio Bazenis laughed, holding his arm and welcoming him into the mansion. At the same time, he said: "Although the messenger made a mistake, I am glad to see you so soon! You must come here again. Tired and hungry, first go to the shower, and then have a meal together, let’s talk while eating."

Under the service of the maid, Timothy finished his bath, and briefly talked to Aliobazenis about his taking over the Phrygia fleet during the meal.

After listening carefully, Ariobazenis expressed satisfaction with Timothy's actions in Aspendus, and then turned to mention some interesting things about the two people's relationship when he was young.

Timothy also interjected from time to time. Although there were only two of them besides the five or six maids in the restaurant, the atmosphere was still more active.

After three rounds of wine and five flavors of food, Ario Bazenis said sternly: "Timothys, last time you told me that you hope to lead a fleet to support Athens and cooperate with Dionian’s navy. Fight...I can't promise you about this."

Timothy was immediately disappointed when he heard this. Although he did not express this emotion, he remained silent for an instant.

Aliobazenis saw it in his eyes, took out a letter from his arms without hurriedly, and handed it to him, "Look at this first."

Timothy took the letter in a puzzled way, opened it, and soon his face changed: "The King of Persia is going to attack Egypt and ask you to provide troops and supplies, and also call me to lead the fleet to Tyre?!"

Aliobazenis sighed: "When you made this request to me before, the reason why I have been hesitating is not because I am stingy, but the King of Persia is planning to attack Egypt, if at this time I agree to you He asked to send the fleet to Athens. After the king knew about it, he was suspicious and hateful. I was afraid that I was unwilling to provide him with military support and deliberately made such an excuse in advance. I'm afraid it won't make me feel better...

Ugh!Since the defeat of His Royal Highness Cyrus that year, that great king has a great view of our Asia Minor... Sparta invaded our land, not only did he not provide help, but in the end he supported Sparta’s rule over Greece... Of the several wars in China, which one did not make Asia Minor contribute the most, and of course the losses were the most..."

When Timothy heard these words, not only did his dissatisfaction disappear, but he also felt guilty. He said earnestly: "Ario, I was expelled from Athens. Not only did you take me in, but you also entrusted me with important tasks. I am very grateful. I shouldn't have made you embarrassed by making such a request, it is my fault!"

Ario Bazenis shook his head and said helplessly: "Athens expelled you, and you still want to help Athens. This makes me admire it! Unfortunately, the two things are combined, otherwise Fanaba Lord Zos was able to do that back then (In order to avenge Agsilius’ ravages on the western part of Asia Minor, Phanabazos persuaded the governors of Asia Minor to agree to let Konong lead the combined fleet of Western Asia Minor to attack Sparta, and finally acquiesced to Ko The farmer privately incorporated these warships into Athens), with your friendship, I will support you even more!"

Timothy could only lament his bad luck. He was silent for a moment, took a sip of wine, and then asked doubtfully: "I have never seen the king of Persia, why would he specifically mention it in the letter? I?"

Aliobazenis smiled and said, "Timothys, you underestimate yourself. You performed well in the war against Sparta, and you have proven to the world that you are as talented as your father. I think the great king who has been following the Greek war must have known your name. You must know that although Persia is strong, we lack a good naval commander, otherwise we would not have been with Greece in the past. Failed many times in the naval battles, although Egypt’s navy is not strong, but—"

Aliobazenis sneered: "But the great king suffered defeat in previous wars. This time he personally attacked Egypt. He would never allow himself to fail again, so of course he wanted to pick one. A good admiral will help him... Anyway, this is a good thing for you. If you can get the appreciation of the great king, maybe you can ask him to lead the entire Persian navy to rescue Greece. Battle Dionia."

Timothy's heart moved, at that moment he had decided to go to Tyre.

Aliobazenis clearly saw his thoughts, and then said: "Timothys, if you agree to accept the invitation of the great king, can you help me with two small favors?"

"Ario, you are too polite. Since I left Athens and came to Phrygia, you have been taking good care of me. I am worried that I have no chance to return. Let alone two, even 100, as long as I can do it. , I will try my best to help you!"

"Okay, then I'll be straightforward! It took me several years of Phrygia's taxation to reluctantly build up such a fleet. If you are reused by that great king, I hope to fight Egypt as much as possible. Keep these ships of mine."

Timothy answered simply: "Don't worry, I will do my best!"

"The second job is... After you have been under the command of the king and participated in the war against Egypt, can you... regularly write to me the movements of the entire army in detail? You know... well, from Frisia and Egypt. There are many trade exchanges. I need to make some decisions based on the development of the war. The Frisian businessmen who are still in some towns in Egypt will either leave as soon as possible, or simply take advantage of the opportunity to seize some important materials and minerals there... "

Timothy hesitated for a while, and then responded: "I will write to you, but after arriving in Phoenicia, I may be mainly responsible for the navy. I may not be very clear about the future movements of the Persian king and army..."

"Just do your best!" Ario Bazenis smiled and raised his glass: "Let's make a toast and wish you all the best in the next battle!"

In the middle of the night, the confidant servant of Aliobazenis who had disappeared for a while returned quietly to the governor's residence.

Aliobazenis summoned him in the study alone.

"Master, I rushed to Samalla in Cappadcia 15 days ago. The governor met me secretly. I showed him both the letter you wrote and the letter written by the Egyptian pharaoh. It was his reply."

Aliobazenis quickly accepted the letter, and after reading it, he was happy.

Although the confidant was curious, the confidant did not ask.

However, Ario Bazenis could not help but say: "Not only did Stridates agreed to my proposal and decided to accept the Egyptian Pharaoh’s plan, everyone joined forces, and he also offered to persuade Pafra The governors of Goni, Lycaonia, Armenia and other regions."

"Master, there are too many people to contact, it is difficult to keep confidential!" the confidant reminded worriedly.