Hegesistratus ( other Greek Ἡγησίστρατος ) - during the period of the Greco-Persian war 480–479 BC e. . - a fortuneteller in the Persian army of Mardonius . Being an Eleyan from the clan of Telliads (hereditary soothsayers), the Hegesistratus was captured by the Spartans and sentenced to death for his atrocities. However, having cut off part of his leg for himself, Hegesistratus managed to free himself from the block and, breaking through the dungeon wall, fled from the Spartans to the city of Tegeu , which was hostile to them at that time [1] [2] .
During the Battle of Plateia, Hegesistratus was a fortuneteller at the Persian leader Mardonius. Fortune telling was unfavorable for the Persians in the event of the transition of the latter from defense to attack. However, after 10 days, Mardonius neglected fortune-telling and attacked the Greek army at Plataeus , thereby predetermining his death and the Persian army.
Later, during a fortune-telling at Zakynthos , the Hegesistratus was killed by the Spartans.
Notes
- ↑ Herodotus . Story. 9.37
- ↑ What kind of atrocities the Hegesistratus committed against the Spartans, Herodotus does not report.