While Xerxes I was preparing for his Greek campaign he conscripted five sons of Pythias the Lydian, one of his nobleman. To show his loyalty and his best wishes for the expeditions, Pythias hosted Xerxes and his army on their way to Greece. While he was dining with the king Pythias also offered to donate a considerable sum of money for the war effort. Unexpectedly Xerxes declined to take the money, but instead gave some of his treasures to Pythias to reward him for his generosity.