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==Background==
==Background==
Cyrus had retired to the border of the Median [[province]], to protect the Persian border against Astyages.<ref>Fischer, W.B., Ilya Gershevitch, and Ehsan Yarshster, ''The Cambridge History of Iran'', Cambridge University Press (1993) p. 147. In 1 volume</ref> After the Battle of Hyrba, Astyages invaded Persia with 1,205,000+ men.<ref>Chisholm, Hugh, ''The Encyclopædia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and General Information'', Cambridge, England; New York: At the University Press, (1910) p.208</ref> The battle that was to come was composed of [[cavalry]] from both sides, and [[chariot]]s that in most part was used for the battle, for they were never used again.<ref>Laymon, Charles M., ''The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary'', Abingdon Press, (1971) p.440. In 1 volume</ref> A small part of the invasion force from both sides particapated in the battle.<ref>Laymon, Charles M., ''The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary'', Abingdon Press, (1971) p.441. In 1 volume</ref> Astyages had tried to persuade Cyrus to surrender, but now he perfered to show no mercy, eventhough he had better relations with Atradates, the name Nicolaus perfers to call Cambyses, the father of Cyrus.<ref>Abbott, Jacob, ''History of Cyrus the Great'', New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857) p. 138. In 23 editions</ref> The name of the city Cyrus and his father were protecting was not given.<ref>Laymon, Charles M., ''The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary'', Abingdon Press, (1971) p.442. In 1 volume</ref> Nevertheless, the city was an important [[frontier]] town worth the protection.<ref>Clare, Smith, Israel, ''The unrivaled history of the world, containing a full and complete record of the human race from the earliest historical period to the present time, embracing a general survey of the progress of mankind in national and social life, civil government, religion, literature, science and art''... Chicago, The Werner Co., (1893) p.244. In 4 editions</ref> When Astyages came within reach of the city, Persian civilians were ready to evacuate, if neccessary.<ref>Duncker, Max, ''The History of Antiquity'', tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350</ref> Meanwhile, Cyrus and Cambyses assembled the army, which is not known if [[Oebares]], the helper of Cyrus to the [[thrown]], particapated in the battle, but, it is known that the two armies were outside for battle in mid-day, which occurred about a year after the first battle.<ref>Abbott, Jacob, ''History of Cyrus the Great,'' New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857) p. 139. In 23 editions.</ref> Therefore, as battle began, Astyages had his special troops positioned to attack at the rear.<ref>Abbott, Jacob, ''History of Cyrus the Great'', New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857) p. 139. In 23 editions</ref>
Cyrus had retired to the border of the Median [[province]], to protect the Persian border against Astyages.<ref>Fischer, W.B., Ilya Gershevitch, and Ehsan Yarshster, ''The Cambridge History of Iran'', Cambridge University Press (1993) p. 147. In 1 volume</ref> After the Battle of Hyrba, Astyages invaded Persia with 1,205,000+ men.<ref>Chisholm, Hugh, ''The Encyclopædia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and General Information'', Cambridge, England; New York: At the University Press, (1910) p.208</ref> The battle that was to come was composed of [[cavalry]] from both sides, and [[chariot]]s that in most part was used for the battle, for they were never used again.<ref>Laymon, Charles M., ''The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary'', Abingdon Press, (1971) p.440. In 1 volume</ref> A small part of the invasion force from both sides particapated in the battle.<ref>Laymon, Charles M., ''The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary'', Abingdon Press, (1971) p.441. In 1 volume</ref> Astyages had tried to persuade Cyrus to surrender, but now he perfered to show no mercy, eventhough he had better relations with Atradates, the name Nicolaus perfers to call Cambyses, the father of Cyrus.<ref>Abbott, Jacob, ''History of Cyrus the Great'', New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857) p. 138. In 23 editions</ref> The name of the city Cyrus and his father were protecting was not given.<ref>Laymon, Charles M., ''The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary'', Abingdon Press, (1971) p.442. In 1 volume</ref> Nevertheless, the city was an important [[frontier]] town worth the protection.<ref>Clare, Smith, Israel, ''The unrivaled history of the world, containing a full and complete record of the human race from the earliest historical period to the present time, embracing a general survey of the progress of mankind in national and social life, civil government, religion, literature, science and art''... Chicago, The Werner Co., (1893) p.244. In 4 editions</ref> When Astyages came within reach of the city, Persian civilians were ready to evacuate, if neccessary.<ref>Duncker, Max, ''The History of Antiquity'', tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350</ref> Meanwhile, Cyrus and Cambyses assembled the army, which is not known if [[Oebares]], the helper of Cyrus to the [[throne]], particapated in the battle, but, it is known that the two armies were outside for battle in mid-day, which occurred about a year after the first battle.<ref>Abbott, Jacob, ''History of Cyrus the Great,'' New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857) p. 139. In 23 editions.</ref> Therefore, as battle began, Astyages had his special troops positioned to attack at the rear.<ref>Abbott, Jacob, ''History of Cyrus the Great'', New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857) p. 139. In 23 editions</ref>


==The motives==
==The motives==

Revision as of 03:54, 21 August 2008

Battle of the Median Border
Part of the Wars of Cyrus the Great
Date551 BC?
Location
On the road between Ecbatana and Pasargadae,
on the Median side of the border between Media and Persis
Result Tactical Persian victory;
Strategic Median victory.
Territorial
changes		 Northern parts of Media join the Persian rebel alliance.
Belligerents
Median Empire Persis
Commanders and leaders
Astyages of Media,
unkown others		 Cambyses II of Persia†?,
Cyrus the Great,
Harpagus,
unknown others
Strength
100-120,000 to 200,000? cavalry,[1]
3,000 chariots[2]		 50,000 cavalry,[3]
100 chariots[4]
Casualties and losses
Heavy[5] Light[6]

The Battle of the Median Border, is the second encounter of the forces of Media and Persia together. Though not a decisive victory for Persia, it signaled the diminishing power of Media in Southwest Asia. It was the first battle Cambyses I had fought in, and the first which he had fought with his son, Cyrus the Great. In an attempt to bring freedom to Persia, the first major battle occurred, which lasted two days. It also prompt the Persians to retire south, and fight a third battle.
It was narrated by Nicolaus of Damascus, and among others who also mentioned the Battle of Hyrba, which Herodotus is known not to mention this battle.[7] Most historians consider Herodotus mentioning only the first and last battle in the war.[8] At the border, this became the first major battle between the two powers. Cyrus managed to escape the enemey without retreating, and prolong the struggle, thus ending the battle without a complete victory for Astyages, the king of the Medes.The next battle became to the Persians their last stand, which to them, their very existence relied on the outcome of the war, which had to be won.

Background

Cyrus had retired to the border of the Median province, to protect the Persian border against Astyages.[9] After the Battle of Hyrba, Astyages invaded Persia with 1,205,000+ men.[10] The battle that was to come was composed of cavalry from both sides, and chariots that in most part was used for the battle, for they were never used again.[11] A small part of the invasion force from both sides particapated in the battle.[12] Astyages had tried to persuade Cyrus to surrender, but now he perfered to show no mercy, eventhough he had better relations with Atradates, the name Nicolaus perfers to call Cambyses, the father of Cyrus.[13] The name of the city Cyrus and his father were protecting was not given.[14] Nevertheless, the city was an important frontier town worth the protection.[15] When Astyages came within reach of the city, Persian civilians were ready to evacuate, if neccessary.[16] Meanwhile, Cyrus and Cambyses assembled the army, which is not known if Oebares, the helper of Cyrus to the throne, particapated in the battle, but, it is known that the two armies were outside for battle in mid-day, which occurred about a year after the first battle.[17] Therefore, as battle began, Astyages had his special troops positioned to attack at the rear.[18]

The motives

Cyrus encouraged the Persians, and Oebares siezed the passes of the mountain and the heights, built lines, and brought the people from the open cities into such as were well fortified.[19] Astyages burned down the abandoned cities, summoned Atradates and Cyrus to submission, and taunted them with their former beggary.[20] Cyrus replied that Astyages did not recognise the power of the gods, which forced them, goat-herds as they were, to accomplish what was destined to be done.[21] As he had done them kindness, they bade him lead back the Medes, and give their freedom to the Persians who were better than the Medes.[22]

The battle

Thus it came to a battle.[23] Astyages, surrounded by 20,000 of his body guard, looked on: among the Persians Atradates had the right, and Oebares the left wing, Cyrus, surrounded by the bravest warriors, was in the center.[24] The Persians defended themselves bravely, and slew many of the Medes, so that Astyages cried out on his throne: 'How bravely these "terebinth-eaters" fight!'[25] But at length the Persians were overpowered by numbers, and driven into the city before which they fought.[26] Cyrus and Oebares advised to send the women and children to Pasargadae, which is the loftiest mountain, and re-new the battle on the next day: 'If we are defeated we must all die, and if that must be so it is better to fall in victory and for the freedom of our country.'[27] Then all were filled with hatred and anger against the Medes, and when the morning came and the gates were opened, all marched out; Atradates alone remained with the old men in the city to defend the walls.[28] But while Cyrus and Oebares were fighting in the field, Astyages caused 100,000 men to go round and attack the Persian army in the rear.[29] The attack succeeded. Atradates fell covered with wounds into the hands of the Medes.[30] Astyages said to him: An excellent satrap are you; is it thus that you thank me, you and your son, for what I have done for you?' Atradates, almost at the last gasp, replied: 'I know not, O king, what deity has roused this frenzy in my son; put me not to the torture, I shall soon die.'[31] Astyages had compassion on him and said: 'I will not put you to the torture; I know that if your son had followed your advice, he would not have done such things.'[32] Atradates died, and Astyages gave him an honourable burial.[33]

Aftermath

After the battle, the Persians had either inflicted severly massive casualties on Astyages' personal guard, or the rest of his cavalry, nevertheless, the Persians had still claimed the first day. The second day, the Medes managed to capture only a part of the city, after Astyages' clever move of cavalry. As the Persians retired south, Astyages readily abandoned the city, based on the scant sources from Nicolaus. Therefore not becoming a complete victory for Astyages, as he is not known to put a garrison there after he himself went south after the Persians. It was however, a phsycological blow to the Medes, as they thought the Persians were lucky in the first battle, but again the Persians won, this time tactically. Both armies had later went back to their camp, and organized the armies, while deciding were to meet for the next fight. Then, as the year passed, both forces agreed to meet at the Persian capital which Astyages was after. Meanwhile Cyrus and Oebares after the brave struggle had been compelled to retire to Pasargadae.[34]

See Also

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Notes

  1. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.1.1
  2. ^ Anderson Edward, Robert, The Story of Extinct Civilizations of the East, Published by McClure, Phillips, (1904) p.152.1
  3. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.1.2
  4. ^ Anderson Edward, Robert, The Story of Extinct Civilizations of the East, Published by McClure, Phillips, (1904) p.152.2
  5. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.1.3
  6. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.1.4
  7. ^ Ctesias (Persica)
  8. ^ Fragments of Nicolaus of Damascus
  9. ^ Fischer, W.B., Ilya Gershevitch, and Ehsan Yarshster, The Cambridge History of Iran, Cambridge University Press (1993) p. 147. In 1 volume
  10. ^ Chisholm, Hugh, The Encyclopædia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and General Information, Cambridge, England; New York: At the University Press, (1910) p.208
  11. ^ Laymon, Charles M., The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary, Abingdon Press, (1971) p.440. In 1 volume
  12. ^ Laymon, Charles M., The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary, Abingdon Press, (1971) p.441. In 1 volume
  13. ^ Abbott, Jacob, History of Cyrus the Great, New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857) p. 138. In 23 editions
  14. ^ Laymon, Charles M., The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary, Abingdon Press, (1971) p.442. In 1 volume
  15. ^ Clare, Smith, Israel, The unrivaled history of the world, containing a full and complete record of the human race from the earliest historical period to the present time, embracing a general survey of the progress of mankind in national and social life, civil government, religion, literature, science and art... Chicago, The Werner Co., (1893) p.244. In 4 editions
  16. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350
  17. ^ Abbott, Jacob, History of Cyrus the Great, New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857) p. 139. In 23 editions.
  18. ^ Abbott, Jacob, History of Cyrus the Great, New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857) p. 139. In 23 editions
  19. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.1
  20. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.2
  21. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.3
  22. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.4
  23. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.5
  24. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.6
  25. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.7
  26. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 350.8
  27. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 351. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 351.1
  28. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 351. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 351.2
  29. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 351. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 351.3
  30. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 350. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 351.4
  31. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 351. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 351.5
  32. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 351. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 351.6
  33. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 351. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 351.7
  34. ^ Duncker, Max, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott, p. 351. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881) p. 351.8

References

  • Fischer, W.B., Ilya Gershevitch, and Ehsan Yarshster, The Cambridge History of Iran, Cambridge University Press (1993). In 1 volume. ISBN 0521200911
  • Max Duncker, The History of Antiquity, tr. Evelyn Abbott. London, Richard Bentley * Son (1881). ISBN 2792979279
  • Chisholm, Hugh, The Encyclopædia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and General Information, Cambridge, England; New York: At the University Press, (1910). ISBN 5727739257
  • Laymon, Charles M., The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: Introduction and Commentary, Abingdon Press, (1971). ISBN 0687192994
  • Abbott, Jacob, History of Cyrus the Great, New York : Harper & Brothers, (1857). In 23 editions. ISBN 2535673825
  • Clare, Smith, Israel, The unrivaled history of the world, containing a full and complete record of the human race from the earliest historical period to the present time, embracing a general survey of the progress of mankind in national and social life, civil government, religion, literature, science and art... Chicago, The Werner Co., (1893). In 4 editions. ISBN 2791262279

Bibliography

Classical sources

Modern sources

  • Rawlinson, George (1885).The Seven Great Monarchies of the Eastern World, New York, John B. Eldan Press, reprint (2007) p. 120-121. In 4 volumes. ISBN 9781428647
  • Fischer, W.B., Ilya Gershevitch, and Ehsan Yarshster, The Cambridge History of Iran, Cambridge University Press (1993) p. 145. In 1 volume. ISBN 0521200911
  • Stearns, Peter N., and Langer, William L. (2004).The Encyclopedia of World History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern, Chronologically Arranged, Boston, Houghton Mifflin Press, (2001) p. 40. In 6 editions. ISBN 0395652375

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