Persia Cyrus Flashcards
Who was Cyrus the Great?
An excellent military commander known for his kindness and religious tolerance towards conquered peoples.
What was unusual about Cyrus’s approach to conquered peoples?
He showed religious tolerance, which reduced the likelihood of rebellion among his subjects.
What significant event marked Cyrus’s youth?
His grandfather, Astyages, ordered him to be killed due to a troubling dream, but he was raised by a shepherd instead.
What did Harpagus do after failing to kill Cyrus?
He kept in touch with Cyrus and secretly campaigned for noble Medians to side with Cyrus in rebellion.
How did Cyrus become king of the Medes?
Most of the Medians switched sides during the impending battle, allowing Cyrus to become king while allowing Astyages to retire.
List three kingdoms that Cyrus conquered.
- The Medes
- The Lydians
- The Babylonians
What was the extent of Cyrus’s empire?
It spanned 2,000 miles.
What notable act did Cyrus perform in 538 BC regarding the Jews?
He allowed the Jews enslaved by the Babylonians to return to Jerusalem.
How was Cyrus viewed by the Jews?
As one of God’s chosen ones, referred to as a ‘messiah.’
What does the Cyrus Cylinder represent?
A piece of propaganda that portrays Cyrus as a tolerant and kind ruler.
True or False: The Cyrus Cylinder was unbiased.
False, it was likely biased in favor of Cyrus.
What was the outcome of Cyrus’s campaign against Lydia?
Cyrus caught Croesus off guard and eventually conquered Lydia.
Who was Croesus?
The king of Lydia from 560-547 BC known for his vast wealth.
What was a significant reason for Croesus’s motivations to attack Cyrus?
To avenge Astyages.
What tactic did Cyrus use to gain an advantage over Croesus?
He launched a counterattack during the winter when Croesus was unprepared.
What happened to Croesus after his defeat?
He was captured and nearly executed by Cyrus but was spared at the last moment.
Where was Babylon located?
In modern-day Iraq, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
What was Babylon famous for?
Its furniture, pottery, fine architecture, and large trade network.
How did the Persians conquer Babylon?
They diverted the Euphrates River, allowing them to break through the city’s gates.
What was the speculated nature of the conquest of Babylon?
Some scholars suggest it was an inside job with assistance from someone within the city.
What did Cyrus do after conquering Babylon?
He freed the Jews and allowed them to return to Jerusalem.
What was a key site for the Persians to conquer?
Babylon
Babylon allowed the Persians access to the whole of the Levant.
How did the people react to Cyrus’s arrival?
They welcomed him as an alternative to unpopular Babylonian rule.
Who is portrayed as a wicked king in Babylonian sources?
Nabonidus
Nabonidus is depicted as disrespecting the Babylonian Gods.
What propaganda did Cyrus use to link himself to the Persian god?
The Cyrus Cylinder
Cyrus claimed he was chosen by Marduk to be King.
What did Cyrus say about Nabonidus on the Cyrus Cylinder?
He insulted Nabonidus while praising himself as liberator of the people.
Who did Cyrus campaign against after conquering Babylon?
The Massagetae
This tribe was led by Queen Tomyris.
What advice did Croesus give to Cyrus regarding the Massagetae?
To fight on the Persians’ side of the river.
What did Croesus warn Cyrus about?
That his good fortune cannot continue for much long.
What was the outcome of the first battle with the Massagetae?
Persia captured Tomyris’ son, Spargapises, who killed himself.
What did Tomyris do after her son’s death?
She fought a second battle and won.
What happened to Cyrus in the second battle?
He was among the dead.
What did Tomyris do with Cyrus’s corpse?
Put his head in a bag filled with blood.
True or False: Cyrus followed Croesus’ advice before the battle.
False
Fill in the blank: The Massagetae were led by _______.
Queen Tomyris
