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| cyrus the great military: Xenophon's Cyrus the Great Xenophon, 2007-04-01 This classic portrait of the ancient Persian king is “still the best book on leadership” (Peter F. Drucker). Cyrus, a great Persian leader, was so widely and memorably respected that a hundred years later, Xenophon of Athens wrote this admiring book about the greatest leader of his era. Among his many achievements, this great leader of wisdom and virtue founded and extended the Persian Empire; conquered Babylon; freed 40,000 Jews from captivity; wrote mankind’s first human rights charter; and ruled over those he had conquered with respect and benevolence. According to historian Will Durant, Cyrus the Great’s military enemies knew that he was lenient, and they did not fight him with that desperate courage which men show when their only choice is “to kill or die.” As a result the Iranians regarded him as “The Father,” the Babylonians as “The Liberator,” the Greeks as the “Law-Giver,” and the Jews as the “Anointed of the Lord.” By freshening the leader’s voice, style, and diction, Larry Hedrick has created a more contemporary Cyrus, and also contributes an introduction describing him and his times. A new generation of readers, including business executives and managers, military officers, and government officials, can now learn about and benefit from Cyrus the Great’s extraordinary achievements, which exceeded all other leaders’ throughout antiquity. |
| cyrus the great military: Cyrus The Great Stephen Dando-Collins, 2020-07-07 Cyrus the Great was a brilliant general who founded the Persian Empire, greatest empire of its day. He was also the king who freed the Jews from exile at Babylon and allowed them to return to Jerusalem, with the Bible describing him as the only non Jew anointed by god. Cyrus influenced the US Bill of Rights, and is the biblical figure to whom US President Donald Trump has been favorably compared by Christian evangelicals and the Prime Minister of Israel. In this first ever modern biography of Cyrus, noted historical biographer and author of 43 books Stephen Dando-Collins describes Cyrus' fraught youth, his rise to power via rebellion, his dashing military campaigns that destroyed the Median, Lydian and Babylonian empires, and his uniquely magnanimous reign. With his usual depth of research and highly readable narrative Dando-Collins cuts through myth and folklore to deliver a fascinating account of a fascinating life. |
| cyrus the great military: Cyropaedia: Books I-IV Xenophon, 1914 |
| cyrus the great military: 500 Great Military Leaders Spencer C. Tucker, 2014-12-16 This insightful encyclopedia examines the most influential commanders who have shaped military history and the course of world events from ancient times to the present. From Alexander the Great and Attila the Hun to Ho Chi Minh and Colin Powell, 500 Great Military Leaders provides readers with insight into the most innovative and prominent individuals who have led armies to victory on battlefields all over the world. The broad coverage ranges from military leaders from the ancient world to the present day, including political figures who directed war efforts and those who were responsible for major technological improvements. This encyclopedia goes beyond providing factual information about each individual's life to delve into the greater historical context and impact on their contemporaries as well as on future military history. The presentation of information is designed to enable readers to both observe the gradual evolution of warfare over time and clearly perceive the differences in tactics used by generals with varying military resources at their disposal. The entries include not only information on the individual's life and work but a summary statement that assesses successes and failures across each leader's career and summarizes the overall impact. Each entry also provides several references for further reading about that individual. The accessible writing style of this resource and in-depth information and analyses make it appropriate for high school and undergraduate-level students as well as scholars of military history and individuals who simply enjoy reading about military history. |
| cyrus the great military: Greek Military Service in the Ancient Near East, 401–330 BCE Jeffrey Rop, 2019-06-20 Rewrites the military and political history of Greek military service in ancient Persia and Egypt. |
| cyrus the great military: The Cyrus Cylinder Irving Finkel, 2013-03-07 Some historical artfacts are destined forever to alter how the ancient world is perceived. The unerathing in today's Iraq (in 1879) of a clay cylinder-shaped decree from Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid dynasty of Persia, stands in the same traditin of game changing discoveries from antiquity as Hammurabi's famous law code or the intact tom of the boy-king Tutankhamun. For the Cyrus Cylinder contains in microcosm the whole history of its period. Inscribed with an account of the conquest of Babylon in 539 BC by the Persian king, it records an event which launched one of the greatest imperial adventures in history. It describes Cyrus' capture and deposition of Nabondius, last native Babylonian ruler (represented by the Cylinder text as an oppressor of his own people), and proclaims the Persian, aided by the god Marduk, as a liberator. His annexation of Babylon was to become the platform upon which the Achaemenid military machine built its later vast imperium. But the Cylinder is more than an ancient exercise in propaganda. It has been celebrated as the world's first declaration of human rights, and an international symbl of religious tolerance, setting out the decree from which Cyrus freed the Jews in Babylon : an event recorded by Isaiah. Few other objects from antiquity are invested with so many hopes for the future. This important volume is the first to discuss the Cylinder and its remarkable history. Written by internationally respected authorities from the British Museum, it offers a fresh consideration of its subject in the light of new discoveries. Included here is a complete new translation of the Cylinder inscription using recently identified but previously unpublished sources. Archive materials have allowed a fresh investigation of the circumstances of the original nineteenth-century find by Hormuzd Rassam, and a reappraisal of the mysterious 'Chinese bone' forgeries. The book also discusses the extraordinary and evolving history of Cyrus' timeless message: a message that continues powerfully to resonate. |
| cyrus the great military: Immortal Steven R. Ward, 2014-01-15 Immortal is the only single-volume English-language survey of Iran’s military history. CIA analyst Steven R. Ward shows that Iran’s soldiers, from the famed “Immortals” of ancient Persia to today’s Revolutionary Guard, have demonstrated through the centuries that they should not be underestimated. This history also provides background on the nationalist, tribal, and religious heritages of the country to help readers better understand Iran and its security outlook. Immortal begins with the founding of ancient Persia’s empire under Cyrus the Great and continues through the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) and up to the present. Drawing on a wide range of sources including declassified documents, the author gives primary focus to the modern era to relate the build-up of the military under the last Shah, its collapse during the Islamic revolution, its fortunes in the Iran-Iraq War, and its rise from the ashes to help Iran become once again a major regional military power. He shows that, despite command and supply problems, Iranian soldiers demonstrate high levels of bravery and perseverance and have enjoyed surprising tactical successes even when victory has been elusive. These qualities and the Iranians’ ability to impose high costs on their enemies by exploiting Iran’s imposing geography bear careful consideration today by potential opponents. |
| cyrus the great military: World Military Leaders Mark Grossman, 2007 Articles profiling important military leaders are arranged in A to Z format. |
| cyrus the great military: The Education of Cyrus Xenophon, 2001-07-12 In The Education of Cyrus, Xenophon confronts the vexing problem of political instability by exploring the character and behavior of the ruler. |
| cyrus the great military: From Cyrus to Alexander Pierre Briant, 2002-06-30 Around 550 B.C.E. the Persian people—who were previously practically unknown in the annals of history—emerged from their base in southern Iran (Fars) and engaged in a monumental adventure that, under the leadership of Cyrus the Great and his successors, culminated in the creation of an immense Empire that stretched from central Asia to Upper Egypt, from the Indus to the Danube. The Persian (or Achaemenid, named for its reigning dynasty) Empire assimilated an astonishing diversity of lands, peoples, languages, and cultures. This conquest of Near Eastern lands completely altered the history of the world: for the first time, a monolithic State as vast as the future Roman Empire arose, expanded, and matured in the course of more than two centuries (530–330) and endured until the death of Alexander the Great (323), who from a geopolitical perspective was “the last of the Achaemenids.” Even today, the remains of the Empire-the terraces, palaces, reliefs, paintings, and enameled bricks of Pasargadae, Persepolis, and Susa; the impressive royal tombs of Naqsh-i Rustam; the monumental statue of Darius the Great-serve to remind visitors of the power and unprecedented luxury of the Great Kings and their loyal courtiers (the “Faithful Ones”). Though long eclipsed and overshadowed by the towering prestige of the “ancient Orient” and “eternal Greece,” Achaemenid history has emerged into fresh light during the last two decades. Freed from the tattered rags of “Oriental decadence” and “Asiatic stagnation,” research has also benefited from a continually growing number of discoveries that have provided important new evidence-including texts, as well as archaeological, numismatic, and iconographic artifacts. The evidence that this book assembles is voluminous and diverse: the citations of ancient documents and of the archaeological evidence permit the reader to follow the author in his role as a historian who, across space and time, attempts to understand how such an Empire emerged, developed, and faded. Though firmly grounded in the evidence, the author’s discussions do not avoid persistent questions and regularly engages divergent interpretations and alternative hypotheses. This book is without precedent or equivalent, and also offers an exhaustive bibliography and thorough indexes. The French publication of this magisterial work in 1996 was acclaimed in newspapers and literary journals. Now Histoire de l’Empire Perse: De Cyrus a Alexandre is translated in its entirety in a revised edition, with the author himself reviewing the translation, correcting the original edition, and adding new documentation. Pierre Briant, Chaire Histoire et civilisation du monde achémenide et de l’empire d’Alexandre, Collège de France, is a specialist in the history of the Near East during the era of the Persian Empire and the conquests of Alexander. He is the author of numerous books. Peter T. Daniels, the translator, is an independent scholar, editor, and translator who studied at Cornell University and the University of Chicago. He lives and works in New York City. |
| cyrus the great military: The Rise and Organisation of the Achaemenid Empire W J Vogelsang, 2023-08-14 Discusses the eastern part of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Use is made of geographical, general historical, Persian Achaemenid, Classical and archaeological material. An answer is sought to the question of how the Persians could conquer a vast empire within a very short time, and managed to preserve it for some two hundred years. |
| cyrus the great military: Great Military Leaders and Their Campaigns Jeremy Black, 2008-10-14 A profusely illustrated overview of the careers and campaigns of the world's greatest commanders This authoritative and magnificentlyl illustrated book examines the entire history of the war through the eyes of the leading protagonists, from Cyrus the Great in the sixth century BC to Vo Nguyen Giap in the twentieth century. Truly worldwide in scope, the book ranges from China to India to Africa, and from Europe to the Americas, focusing in detail on more than one hundred major military leaders, their associates, and their opponents. All the great commanders are here: Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Julius Caesar, Saladin, Chingiz Khan, Napolean, Wellington, Nelson, Ulysses S. Grant, Erich von Manstein, and Georgy Zhukov. So too are less familiar figures, such as Jan Žižka and János Hunyadi, bold Czech and Hungarian leaders of the Middle Ages; Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Napolean of Japan; and Nader Shah, the Persian conqueror of the eighteenth century. The large format allows for a full display of the illustrations, from portraits and battlefield scenes to weapons and uniforms, plus spectacular battle reconstructions. There are specially comissioned campaign maps for each major leader, plus a reference section that includes concise biographies of 250 commanders. Jeremy Black is professor of History at the University of Exeter and the author or editor of many books, including The Cambridge Illustrated Atlas of Warfare and The Seventy Great Battles in History. |
| cyrus the great military: Armies of the Scythians and Sarmatians 700 BC to AD 450 Gabriele Esposito, 2024-07-04 The Scythians were a horse nomads from the central Eurasian steppes who migrated south and west into the region around the Black Sea from the seventh century BC which they dominated until replaced and absorbed by the very similar Sarmatians from the third century BC. A harsh life spent riding, herding and hunting on the steppes made them into tough warriors, and highly skilled horsemen and archers. Their armies were highly mobile, mostly comprising swift mounted archers capable of elusive hit-and-run attacks but with the wealthier warriors constituting a core of heavier cavalry, armored and equipped for close combat. Over hundreds of years the Scythians fought, and often defeated, such notable opponents as the Assyrians, Medes, Persians, Greeks and Macedonians. Their Sarmatian successors continued the tradition, being among the Romans’ most dangerous opponents for several centuries. Gabriele Esposito discusses these remarkable warriors of the steppes, analysing what made them such formidable opponents to their neighbours over the centuries. He describes in detail their weapons, armor, equipment and tactics as they evolved over the centuries. The fascinating text is supported by dozens of beautiful color photographs of replica costume, arms and equipment in use. |
| cyrus the great military: The Landmark Arrian Arrian, 2010 A latest entry in the series that includes The Landmark Herodotus is a lavishly illustrated and extensively annotated edition of Arrian's portrait of Alexander the Great featuring an accessible translation that incorporates the views of leading classics scholars. |
| cyrus the great military: Cyrus the Great Jacob Abbott, 1878 |
| cyrus the great military: Persian Army Formation Felix Stratton, AI, 2025-05-03 Persian Army Formation examines how a relatively small kingdom built an empire spanning from the Indus Valley to the Balkans through its sophisticated military organization. This World History book delves into the Achaemenid military, highlighting its command structure, logistical support, and tactical doctrines. Did you know the Persian army wasn't just about brute force? It was also about efficient resource management, exemplified by the Royal Road, facilitating troop and supply movement. The book progresses from the historical context of the Achaemenid dynasty to detailed analyses of troop composition, including the elite Immortals and varied regional contingents. It further explores the logistical networks sustaining the army, demonstrating how infrastructure projects played a pivotal role. The Persian army's success stemmed from its sophisticated organization, efficient logistics, and adaptable command system, not mere numerical superiority. This meticulous approach sets this History Military book apart. This Military History book integrates military history with socio-economic and political analysis, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Achaemenid military machine. By examining how the tribute system and resource management contributed to military strength, the book provides a holistic view suitable for both scholars and enthusiasts. |
| cyrus the great military: Xenophon's March John Prevas, 2002-01-04 An unforgettable personal retracing of one of the most extraordinary expeditions of all time, when two great ancient civilizations, and two great armies, clashed |
| cyrus the great military: 50 Great Military Leaders of All Time Jann Tibbetts, 2016-09-01 Throughout history we have had leaders and followers. Naturally one cannot work without the other, but most if not all of the time, history remembers the leaders, the revolutionaries, erstwhile the followers are mere footnotes. Military commanders lead thousands of their men in the vicious battle. Their flourishes speech prior to the battle, inspired thousands of their men in the battlefield, which is still invoked by various historians. In this book we would be exploring the lives of 50 most brilliant Military Leaders of all times. Their cunning, their audaciousness and sheer brilliance will come to the forefront. They come but once in a lifetime, and in that lifetime they, albeit through the unpleasant act of war rise above the rest and rightly or wrongly leave their mark on human civilization. |
| cyrus the great military: Ancient Persia Matt Waters, 2014-01-20 This is a succinct history of ancient Persia in the Achaemenid period, 550-330 BCE. |
| cyrus the great military: The Great Military Sieges Vezio Melegari, 1972 |
| cyrus the great military: Cyrus the Great M. Rahim Shayegan, 2018 Cyrus the Great re-contextualizes Cyrus's epoch in light of recent scholarship. Themes include: Mesopotamian antecedents of his religious policy, the idiosyncratic genesis of Persian imperial art; Babylonian exile and the Bible; Hellenistic and Arsacid genealogical constructs; and his enigmatic evanescence in Sasanian and Muslim traditions. |
| cyrus the great military: The Cambridge Ancient History , 1982 |
| cyrus the great military: The Ancient World Frank N. Magill, 2003-12-16 Containing 250 entries, each volume of the Dictionary of World Biography contains examines the lives of the individuals who shaped their times and left their mark on world history. Much more than a 'Who's Who', each entry provides an in-depth essay on the life and career of the individual concerned. Essays commence with a quick reference section that provides basic facts on the individual's life and achievements, and conclude with a fully annotated bibliography. The extended biography places the life and works of the individual within an historical context, and the summary at the end of each essay provides a synopsis of the individual's place in history. Any student in the field will want to have one of these as a handy reference companion. |
| cyrus the great military: Cyrus, Prince of Persia Alexander Jovy, 2018 Enter the enthralling world of Ancient Persia-the world¿s first great empire-and experience the life and times of Cyrus the Great.Blending fact with fiction, this novel will introduce you to the visionary leader whose heroism and strength of character won the loyalty of his subjects as well as the hearts of two extraordinary women: the beautiful warrior Roxana and the exquisite Cassadane.Cyrus was a fearless military leader, strategically adding ancient Lydia and the fabled city of Babylon¿the richest city in the world¿to his conquests. He freed forty thousand Jews from their plight as slaves and allowed them to return to their homeland. A visionary who was far ahead of his time, he built his empire on the foundation of religious tolerance and created a society where people of different backgrounds and cultures could live together in peace and harmony.After many years spent researching the life of this fascinating ancient king, critically acclaimed film director Alexander Jovy has created an imaginative historical novel that is full of action, passion, mystery, tragedy, and heroic virtue. |
| cyrus the great military: The Great Empires of the Ancient World Thomas Harrison, 2009 A distinguished team of internationally renowned scholars surveys the great empires from 1600 BC to AD 500, from the ancient Mediterranean to China. |
| cyrus the great military: Discovering Cyrus: The Persian Conqueror Astride the Ancient World Reza Zaghamee, 2015-09-25 Discovering Cyrus: The Persian Conqueror Astride the Ancient World Some of the most fascinating human epochs lie in the borderlands between history and mystery. So it is with the life of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire in the sixth century B.C. By conquest or gentler means, he brought under his rule a dominion stretching from the Aegean Sea to the Hindu Kush and encompassing some tens of millions of people. All across this immense imperium, he earned support and stability by respecting local customs and religions, avoiding the brutal ways of tyranny, and efficiently administering the realm through provincial governors. The empire would last another two centuries, leaving an indelible Persian imprint on much of the ancient world. The Greek chronicler Xenophon, looking back from a distance of several generations, wrote: “Cyrus did indeed eclipse all other monarchs, before or since.” The biblical prophet Second Isaiah anticipated Cyrus’ repatriation of the Jews living in exile in Babylon by having the Lord say, “He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please.” Despite what he achieved and bequeathed, much about Cyrus remains uncertain. Persians of his era had no great respect for the written word and kept no annals. The most complete accounts of his life were composed by Greeks. More fragmentary or tangential evidence takes many forms – among them, archaeological remains, administrative records in subject lands, and the always tricky stuff of legend. Given these challenges, Discovering Cyrus: The Persian Conqueror Astride the Ancient World is a remarkable feat of portraiture. In his vast sweep, Reza S. Zarghamee draws on sources of every kind, painstakingly assembling detail, and always weighing evidence carefully where contradictions arise. He describes the background of the Persian people, the turbulence of the times, and the roots of Cyrus’ policies. His account of the imperial era itself delves into religion, military methods, commerce, court life, and much else besides. The result is a living, breathing Cyrus standing atop a distant world that played a key role in shaping our own. |
| cyrus the great military: The Great and the Terrible Joanne O'Sullivan, 2020-09-15 This fun, quirky, and engaging fully illustrated history anthology features twenty-five amazing and terrifying rulers for middle grade readers to discover. We've heard of Alexander the Great. We've heard of Ivan the Terrible. But what was so Great about Alexander? What was so Terrible about Ivan? Spanning centuries of history in a culturally diverse framework-from ancient India to nineteenth-century Hawaii, and with a balanced focus on notorious women rulers as well as male, The Great and the Terrible takes a humorous look at some of the most glorious and notorious figures in history through the lens of the nicknames they're remembered by. While some of the characters mentioned here are more prominent in world history (Cyrus the Great introduced the world's first human rights charter), others are well known only within their own cultures. The Great and the Terrible gives middle-grade readers an opportunity to dip into the breadth of world history, sampling its cultural diversity and its stranger-than-fiction historical exploits, with a mix of the sensational and the serious. It helps to correct the imbalance in many history books that currently only focus on Western Civilization, shining the spotlight on achievements (and foibles) in many different cultures. |
| cyrus the great military: Iranian Ways of War Ahmed S. Hashim, 2020-02-27 This book traces the long history of Iran's wars, and the evolution of the Islamic Republic's military trajectory since 1979. Ahmed Hashim draws on Farsi, Arabic and European sources to explore Iran's efforts to create modern armed forces, the devastating Iran-Iraq War (1980-8), and Tehran's evolving fighting capabilities in Syria and Iraq. This analysis offers clues as to how Iran may fare--directly or by proxy--in future confrontations with its enemies, including the US and Israel. Above all, Iranian Ways of War addresses how Iran fights, and why. It offers a corrective to prevailing narratives about its bellicose character and alleged mischief-making throughout the Middle East and beyond. Hashim unpacks with nuance Iran's milestone agreement to curb its nuclear weapons development, within the context of an unstable regional environment that is full of myriad enemies and complicating historical factors affecting Iranian decision-makers' psyches. A long history of confrontation with America, and the feeling of perceived victimhood as a Shia entity in an overwhelmingly Sunni Middle East, have primed Iran for war. |
| cyrus the great military: Unveiling the Kings of Israel David Down, 2011 Astounding archaeological evidence that confirms the biblical history! Walk the ancient streets, explore the distant temples, and unearth the compelling history that continues to resonate with the world today! |
| cyrus the great military: History of The Ancient World: 1000 Amazing Fun Facts About Ancient Worlds of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Levant and Anatolia Andrea Febrian, Ever wondered what secrets lie hidden beneath the sands of Egypt, within the crumbling ziggurats of Mesopotamia, or along the sun-drenched shores of the Levant? Now, you can embark on an epic journey through time with History of The Ancient World: 1000 Amazing Fun Facts About Ancient Worlds of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Levant and Anatolia – a captivating treasure trove of bite-sized insights into the world's earliest civilizations! Prepare to be amazed by 1000 mind-blowing nuggets of Ancient World Facts that bring these incredible societies to life. Whether you're a seasoned history buff or just beginning to explore the wonders of the past, this History Book is your passport to a world teeming with pharaohs, emperors, and revolutionary thinkers. Did you know that Sumerians invented the wheel? Or that Sumerians also invented the brick? Explore these and other Fun History Facts within these ancient civilizations! Delve into the heart of Ancient Egypt, where pharaohs ruled as gods, pyramids pierced the sky, and hieroglyphs whispered tales of life and death. Journey through the fertile lands of Ancient Mesopotamia, the birthplace of writing and the cradle of civilization, where empires rose and fell along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Discover the splendor of Ancient Persia, a vast empire known for its tolerance, its magnificent palaces, and the wisdom of Zoroaster. Unearth the secrets of the Ancient Levant, a crossroads of cultures where Judaism, Christianity, and Islam first took root. And traverse the rugged landscapes of Ancient Anatolia, the land of Hittites, Trojans, and a melting pot of East-meets-West. This History Book is more than just a collection of dates and names; it's a vibrant tapestry woven with fascinating details about: The awe-inspiring architecture of Ancient Civilizations, from the ziggurats of Mesopotamia to the pyramids of Egypt. The lives of ordinary people, their customs, their beliefs, and their daily struggles. The mighty Ancient Empires that shaped the course of history, from the Akkadians to the Persians. The groundbreaking inventions and discoveries that transformed the Ancient World, including writing, the wheel, and the calendar. The complex religious and philosophical systems that guided Ancient Cultures Amazing Historical Trivia that will impress your friends and family From the Nile to the Euphrates, from the Mediterranean to the Anatolian plateau, this History Book will transport you to a world of unparalleled wonder and intrigue. Unlock the mysteries of these lost worlds and discover the Ancient History that shaped our own. This book is your ultimate guide to quick, engaging, and mind-expanding knowledge. Perfect for: History enthusiasts of all ages Students looking for engaging supplementary material Anyone who loves learning new and amazing things A great gift for the curious mind Prepare to have your understanding of the past transformed! Uncover the wonders, the wisdom, and the wars that forged the Ancient World. Get your copy today and embark on an unforgettable adventure through time! |
| cyrus the great military: Dawn of the Greatest Persian Carroll Kirwin, 2003-07 |
| cyrus the great military: The Cambridge History of Iran I. Gershevitch, 1985 |
| cyrus the great military: The Dawning Terry MacKinnell, 2011-03-09 The Dawning is a radically different and innovative approach to the astrological ages including the Age of Aquarius -providing a fascinating insight into past ages, our current turbulent times, and what might be in store for our world over the next few thousand years! Terry MacKinnell takes us on a journey into the astrological ages and with periscopic detail presents an entertaining and thought-provoking read that challenges astrological assumptions. MacKinnell proposes that an oversight made by the ancients inadvertently impacted conventional astrological calculations and he explores the popular belief that the Age of Aquarius has already arrived when according to conventional astrology it is not due for many centuries to come. He argues that the real Aquarian Age has indeed already arrived and did so in the 15th Century, the same century historians claim as the beginning of modernity. Continuing the journey he dives into our present and our future. This fascinating book will appeal to astrologers, archeo-astronomers, historians and everyone looking for a new perspective on the past, the present and the future. |
| cyrus the great military: Birth of the Persian Empire Vesta Sarkhosh Curtis, Sarah Stewart, 2010-01-08 Of the great ancient civilizations, that of Persia is the least known and the most enigmatic. This book explores the formation of the first Persian Empire under the Achaemenid Persians. It brings together a multi-disciplinary view of ancient Iran in the first millennium BC and concentrates on the art, archaeology, history and religion of a geographical area far beyond the present borders of modern Iran in the period beginning just before the formation of the Persian empire in the middle of the 6th century up to its collapse following conquest by Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BC. Eminent scholars here give a critical approach to some of the traditional interpretations and discuss topics which help the reader towards a better understanding of the formation of the Persian empire. This is the first volume in the Idea of Iran series which will be a four-volume collection encompassing the history of that country. |
| cyrus the great military: Afghanistan Ali Ahmad Jalali, 2021-12-15 Afghanistan: A Military History from the Ancient Empires to the Great Game covers the military history of a region encompassing Afghanistan, Central and South Asia, and West Asia, over some 2,500 years. This is the first comprehensive study in any language published on the millennia-long competition for domination and influence in one of the key regions of the Eurasian continent. Jalali’s work covers some of the most important events and figures in world military history, including the armies commanded by Cyrus the Great, Alexander the Great, the Muslim conquerors, Chinggis Khan, Tamerlane, and Babur. Afghanistan was the site of their campaigns and the numerous military conquests that facilitated exchange of military culture and technology that influenced military developments far beyond the region. An enduring theme throughout Afghanistan is the strong influence of the geography and the often extreme nature of the local terrain. Invaders mostly failed because the locals outmaneuvered them in an unforgiving environment. Important segments include Alexander the Great, remembered to this day as a great victor, though not a grand builder; the rise of Islam in the early seventh century in the Arabian Peninsula and the monumental and enduring shift in the social and political map of the world brought by its conquering armies; the medieval Islamic era, when the constant rise and fall of ruling dynasties and the prevalence of an unstable security environment reinforced localism in political, social, and military life; the centuries-long impact of the destruction caused by Chinggis Khan’s thirteenth century; early eighteenth century, when the Afghans achieved a remarkable military victory with extremely limited means leading to the downfall of the Persian Safavid dynasty; and the Battle of Panipat (1761), where Afghan Emperor Ahmad Shah Abdali decisively routed the Hindu confederacy under Maratha leadership, widely considered as one of the decisive battles of the world. It was in this period when the Afghans founded their modern state and a vast empire under Ahmad Shah Durrani, which shaped the environment for the arrival of the European powers and the Great Game. |
| cyrus the great military: Return of the Medes Hamma F. Mirwaisi, 2010 A unique analysis of the Iranian region and people using fictional and historical figures to tell the stories of the dynasties which ruled through many millennia. |
| cyrus the great military: Empires of Ancient Persia Michael Burgan, Thomas G. Urban, 2009 For almost 1,200 years, the Persians ruled a territory that stretched from the Black Sea into Central Asia, from India to Egypt and into the fringes of southern Europe. During that period from 550 BCE to 651 CE, the ancient Persians learned to cultivate crops such as wheat and barley and to domesticate animals; they also demonstrated their talents for architecture and art by building enormous palaces, such as at the site of Persepolis, and through intricate art painted on pottery. As their neighbors, particularly the Macedonian prince Alexander the Great, grew stronger, ancient Persia struggled to maintain its authority. Despite their eventual decline, the Persian empires had significant influence on the ancient world, including the idea of worshipping a single god. As the first monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism would lay the foundation for the development of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Empires of Ancient Persia looks at the rise and fall of the Persian empires, the daily life of the people, and their influence on subsequent civilizations. |
| cyrus the great military: Armed Force in the Teispid-Achaemenid Empire Sean Manning, 2020-11-20 The armies of Cyrus, Xerxes and Darius III are usually understood through the lens of classical literature and stereotypes about the orient. Sean Manning proposes a new understanding based on all kinds of evidence and the study of the ancient Near East. He examines the last century and a half of research in its historical and ideological context. Three core chapters treat Akkadian tablets, Aramaic documents, royal inscriptions, and artifacts as sources in their own right, not compliments to Herodotus. The different perspectives of Iranian philologists, Mesopotamian archaeologists and historians of ancient Greece are considered and addressed. A series of case studies show that the Greek and Latin texts can be read in unfamiliar ways which can survive stronger criticism than traditional interpretations. The king's troops were not literary foils to show the virtues of Greek hoplites or Scythian horsemen, they were agents of an early world empire which drew on long traditions and the latest innovations to gather money, soldiers, and workers and deploy them at the will of the king. |
| cyrus the great military: The Greenhill Dictionary of Military Quotations Peter G Tsouras, 2020-05-18 An authoritative compilation of military history quotes from 2000 BC to the present day. 'A massive compilation casting light not only upon the pain, suffering and sheer insanity of war, but also upon the unique comradeship and exhilaration of battle... this is a valuable addition to the literature of reference.' - The Spectator Peter Tsouras brings 4,000 years of military history to life through the words of more than 800 soldiers, commanders, military theorists and commentators on war. Quotes by diverse personalities – Napoleon, Machiavelli, Atatürk, 'Che' Guevara, Rommel, Julius Caesar, Wellington, Xenophon, Crazy Horse, Wallenstein, T.E. Lawrence, Saladin, Zhukov, Eisenhower and many more – sit side by side to build a comprehensive picture of war across the ages. Broken down into more then 480 categories, covering courage, danger, failure, leadership, luck, military intelligence, tactics, training, guerrilla warfare and victory, this definitive guide draws on the collected wisdom of those who have experienced war at every level. From the brutality and suffering of war, to the courage and camaraderie of soldiers, to the glory and exhilaration of battle, these quotes offer an insight into the turbulent history of warfare and the lives and deeds of great warriors. |
| cyrus the great military: Xerxes Richard Stoneman, 2015-01-01 In this lively and comprehensive new biography, Richard Stoneman shows how Xerxes, despite sympathetic treatment by the contemporary Greek writers Aeschylus and Herodotus, had his reputation destroyed by later Greek writers and by the propaganda of Alexander the Great. Stoneman draws on the latest research in Achaemenid studies and archaeology to present the ruler from the Persian perspective.--Publisher's website. |
Cyrus the Great - Wikipedia
Cyrus II of Persia (Old Persian: 𐎤𐎢𐎽𐎢𐏁 Kūruš; c. 600 – 530 BC), [b] commonly known as Cyrus the Great, [7] was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. [8]
Cyrus the Great | Biography & Facts | Britannica - Encyclopedia Britannica
Cyrus the Great (born 590–580 bce, Media, or Persis [now in Iran]—died c. 529, Asia) was a conqueror who founded the Achaemenian empire, centred on Persia and comprising the Near …
Who was Cyrus the Great? | National Geographic
May 6, 2019 · A brilliant military strategist, Cyrus vanquished the king of the Medes, then integrated all the Iranian tribes, whose skill at fighting on horseback gave his army great mobility.
Cyrus the Great - World History Encyclopedia
Feb 21, 2018 · Cyrus II (d. 530 BCE), also known as Cyrus the Great, was the fourth king of Anshan and the first king of the Achaemenid Empire. Cyrus led several military campaigns …
Cyrus the Great: History, Facts, & Major Achievements
Dec 13, 2021 · Discover the life, reign and accomplishments of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, which is also known as the Achaemenid Empire.
Who Was Cyrus the Great? The Beginner's Guide - OverviewBible
Jul 14, 2020 · Cyrus the Great, also known as Cyrus II of Persia, was one of the greatest conquerors of the ancient world. He's also known for being a benevolent ruler, and in the …
Cyrus the Great: Facts & Related Content - Encyclopedia Britannica
Cyrus the Great, conqueror who founded the Achaemenian empire, centered on Persia and stretching from the Aegean Sea eastward to the Indus River.
Cyrus the Great - Infoplease
Cyrus the Great sīˈrəs , d. 529 b.c., king of Persia, founder of the greatness of the Achaemenids and of the Persian Empire. According to Herodotus, he was the son of an Iranian noble, the …
How Cyrus the Great Turned Ancient Persia Into a Superpower
Jul 14, 2022 · Cyrus had created one of the largest empires the ancient world had ever seen and was able to boast (per the Cyrus Cylinder): “I am Cyrus, king of the universe.”
Cyrus The Great: Fascinating Facts & Accomplishments
Jun 15, 2020 · Cyrus invaded Babylonia in 539 BC and swiftly routed the Babylonian army in a short battle on the banks of the Euphrates River. Nabonidus fled as Cyrus approached the city …
Cyrus the Great - Wikipedia
Cyrus II of Persia (Old Persian: 𐎤𐎢𐎽𐎢𐏁 Kūruš; c. 600 – 530 BC), [b] commonly known as Cyrus the Great, [7] was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. [8]
Cyrus the Great | Biography & Facts | Britannica - Encyclopedia Britannica
Cyrus the Great (born 590–580 bce, Media, or Persis [now in Iran]—died c. 529, Asia) was a conqueror who founded the Achaemenian empire, centred on Persia and comprising the Near …
Who was Cyrus the Great? | National Geographic
May 6, 2019 · A brilliant military strategist, Cyrus vanquished the king of the Medes, then integrated all the Iranian tribes, whose skill at fighting on horseback gave his army great mobility.
Cyrus the Great - World History Encyclopedia
Feb 21, 2018 · Cyrus II (d. 530 BCE), also known as Cyrus the Great, was the fourth king of Anshan and the first king of the Achaemenid Empire. Cyrus led several military campaigns against the …
Cyrus the Great: History, Facts, & Major Achievements
Dec 13, 2021 · Discover the life, reign and accomplishments of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, which is also known as the Achaemenid Empire.
Who Was Cyrus the Great? The Beginner's Guide - OverviewBible
Jul 14, 2020 · Cyrus the Great, also known as Cyrus II of Persia, was one of the greatest conquerors of the ancient world. He's also known for being a benevolent ruler, and in the Bible, he freed the …
Cyrus the Great: Facts & Related Content - Encyclopedia Britannica
Cyrus the Great, conqueror who founded the Achaemenian empire, centered on Persia and stretching from the Aegean Sea eastward to the Indus River.
Cyrus the Great - Infoplease
Cyrus the Great sīˈrəs , d. 529 b.c., king of Persia, founder of the greatness of the Achaemenids and of the Persian Empire. According to Herodotus, he was the son of an Iranian noble, the elder …
How Cyrus the Great Turned Ancient Persia Into a Superpower
Jul 14, 2022 · Cyrus had created one of the largest empires the ancient world had ever seen and was able to boast (per the Cyrus Cylinder): “I am Cyrus, king of the universe.”
Cyrus The Great: Fascinating Facts & Accomplishments
Jun 15, 2020 · Cyrus invaded Babylonia in 539 BC and swiftly routed the Babylonian army in a short battle on the banks of the Euphrates River. Nabonidus fled as Cyrus approached the city of …
