Hermias of Atarneus - Death

Death

Although Hermias could have benefited greatly from a strong Macedonian military protecting his borders from Persian invasion, King Philip suddenly severed all communications with him as a result of Athenian threats to attack Macedonia with Persian aid if they continued plots to invade Asia Minor. This betrayal deserted Hermias to a cruel fate. In order to regain the losses of Persian territory and discover Macedonian invasion plans, Artaxerxes III commissions a traitorous Greek mercenary named Mentor. While some believed Hermias' captor to be Memnos of Rhodes, historian Diodoros claims that it was in fact his brother Mentor. Mentor is charged with the task of capturing Hermias, and therefore restoring his lands to the Persian Empire. Disgusted with the actions taken by King Philip, Aristotle begins to write letters to persuade Mentor to change sides. Although he eventually agrees in order to secure the trust of Hermias, Mentor seizes the next opportune moment to capture him, sending Hermias to Susa in chains. Once in Susa, Hermias is tortured in a vain attempt to extract information regarding King Philip’s invasion plans. Refusing to betray his companions, his last words were “tell my friends that I have done nothing shameful or unworthy of philosophy”. His death occurs in 341 BC. His final statement displays the magnitude of Hermias' friendship with Aristotle as well as the influence of Aristotle’s philosophy on his life. After his death, Aristotle creates a memorial at Delphi commemorating Hermias’ loyalty and writes a hymn to his name. Aristotle also reserves the right to marry Hermias' niece or daughter, Pythias once she comes of age.