Cyrus Flashcards
What was the name of Cyrus’ grandfather?
Astyages (the king of the Medes)
What happened to Cyrus as a baby?
Astyages ordered Harpaygus to kill him, Harpaygus couldn’t kill him and gave him to a shepherd. Astyages believed that Cyrus was dead until he got in trouble with some nobles.
What did Astyages do to Harpaygus as a punishment?
Killed his son and put it into a pie which Harpaygus ended up eating.
What was one of Croesus’ motivations to attack?
To avenge Astyages / the oracles said it would go well / Croesus was intimidated by Cyrus’ recent conquest of the Medes / expands his own power
How did Cyrus treat the Jews?
Liberates enslaved Jews / allows people to keep their religion / got rid of Nabonidus
How did Cyrus Conquer Babylon?
They diverted the river Euphrates and waded through what remained of the river therefore allowing them to enter the city - most scholars believe the Persians had someone working for them on the inside.
What did Cyrus use as a source of propaganda?
The Cyrus Cylinder
Name some features of pasagarde:
A zendan (fire temple), tall-i-takht ( throne hill), and the tomb of Cyrus.
What was a positive of Pasagarde?
Persians are now able to not just pay tribute to the medians but now Persia stands by itself.
How did Cyrus die?
In battle with Tomyris as revenge for making her son commit suicide - she puts his hand in a bag of blood.
Or
Cyrus died peacefully in his new capital of pasagarde.
Who did Cyrus ask for help in the conquest of Lydia?
Ionian Greeks
What did Croesus try to do during the winter months during the conquest of Lydia?
He tried to reach out to allies like the Babylonians, the Egyptians and the Spartans
How did Cyrus win the Conquest of Lydia?
He catches Croesus off guard and attacks the Lydians.
What scared off the Lydians?
Harpaygus put camels on the front line - Lydians were unfamiliar with camels.
