The Rise of Persia Under Cyrus II Flashcards
What are the main sources on the conquest of the Medes?
Herodotus and the Nabonidus Chronicle
Read NC here: https://www.livius.org/sources/content/mesopotamian-chronicles-content/abc-7-nabonidus-chronicle/
H: 1.108-130
king of the Medes
Astyages
what detail do Herodotus and the Narbonidus Chronicle agreee on about the conquest of the Mede
The Mede army mutinied
which myths can Cyrus’ birth be compared with
Romulus and Remus, Moses, Paris, Oedipus, Atreus and Thyestes, Tereus and Procne
who was the mother of Cyrus?
Mandane
who was the father of Cyrus
Cambyses I
Outline the deeds of Harpagus
- Asked to kill baby Cyrus, gave the job to a shepherd.
- Years later Astyages fed Harpagus his son in revenge for not klling Cyrus.
- Organised the overthrow of Astyages
Who were the adoptive parents of Cyrus?
Mitradates and Cyno
Who was Harpagus
Most trusted Mede in Astyages’ court
Which peoples did Cyrus fight after conquering the Mede?
The Lydians
What peoples were ruled by the Lydians?
Asiatic Greeks
Who was the king of the Lydians?
What were his policies towards the Greeks?
- Croesus
- He conquered Asiatic Greece in c. 555, and made them pay tribute.
- Thought on attacking islands of estern Aegean did not because they had a superior fleet
- Great admirer of their culture. Left gifts at Delphi, and recruited mercenaries from Delphi.
Which city did not have to pay tribute to Lydia?
Miletus – they had fought an inconclusive war decades before and agreed after to be friends and allies
What was the boundary between Lydia and Medes
The river Halys
What were the two most important Greek settlements in Lydia?
Ionia and Aeolis
Aeolis
central coast of Asia Minor, eleven cities including Lesbos
Ionia
South of Aeolis, twelve cities, Chios and Samos
Miletus was most powerful city.
In 6th century, great intellectual enlightenment and was home to some influential early scientists and philosophers.
When did Croesus conquer Lydia?
c. 555 BC
When did Croesus attack Medes?
c. 546
Where was the first battle between the Lydians and Persians?
Pteria
Did any of the Ionians agree to Cyrus’ terms and rebel before the battle at Pteria?
No
Was the battle of Pteria decisive?
No, both sides suffered great losses but it was inconclusive
Who were the allies of Lydia?
Babylon, Egypt, Sparta
Who was left by Cyrus to govern Sardis and conquer Ionia?
Tabalus
How did the Persians get into Sardis?
Scaled the walls
What did Harpagus do to defeat the Lydian cavalry?
placed camals along the front lines
What happened to the first Lydian revolt?
It failed, and in 545 the Persians went on a revenge mission. Ionia and Aeolis were key targets
Who led the first Lydian revolt?
Pactyes