The gallant Ionians continued, however, the hostilities they had commenced against Darius.
They sailed to the Hellespont, and reduced Byzantium, with the neighbouring cities.

Their forces were joined by the Cyprians, aroused against the Persian yoke by Onesilus, a bold usurper, who had dethroned his brother, the prince of Salamis, in Cyprus; and the conflagration of Sardis dazzling the Carians, hitherto lukewarm, united to the Ionian cause the bulk of that hardy population.

The revolt now assumed a menacing and formidable aspect.

Informed of these events, Darius summoned Histiaeus: "The man," said he, "whom you appointed to the government of Miletus has rebelled against me.
Assisted by the Ionians, whom I shall unquestionably chastise, he has burnt Sardis.

Had he your approbation?
Without it would he have dared such treason?
Beware how you offend a second time against my authority." Histiaeus artfully vindicated himself from the suspicions of the king.