Ancient Soldier Gives Epic First-Hand Account of Ancient Warfare
Voices of the Past・19 minutes read
Cyrus led a combined Greek and Asiatic army against King ARA Xerxes, resulting in a successful battle where the Greek soldiers displayed courage and honor, ultimately routing the Persian forces. After Cyrus's death, the Greek army, unaware of his demise, salvaged supplies from the battlefield and returned home.
Insights
- Cyrus strategically organized the Greek and Asiatic forces for battle, showcasing his belief in the strength of Greek soldiers and utilizing a diverse array of troops, including hoplites, missile troops, chariots, and cavalry, under the leadership of arter gares.
- The Greek soldiers' unwavering spirit, demonstrated through their hymn to Apollo and successful routing of the Persian forces without casualties, highlights the crucial role of morale and honor in achieving victory on the battlefield, emphasizing the importance of intangible factors in military success.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
How did Cyrus prepare the Army for battle?
By arranging hoplites, missile troops, chariots, and cavalry.
Related videos
History Time
The Entire History of the Persian Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BC) / Ancient History Documentary
History with Cy
The Peloponnesian War - PART I: The Gathering Storm
Epic History
The Greatest General in History? Alexander the Great (All Parts)
Kings and Generals
Alexander: Indian Campaign, Reforms, Plans, Death - Ancient History
Historia Civilis
Macedonian Battle Tactics
Summary
00:00
Cyrus's Army Defeats Persian Forces in Battle
- Cyrus halted the Army around midnight on an open plain to review the combined Greek and Asiatic forces before the expected battle with King ARA Xerxes the following day.
- Cyrus, believing in the strength of the Greek soldiers, arranged the plan of battle with 10,400 hoplites heavy infantry, 2,500 light-equipped missile troops, 200 scythed chariots, and 6,000 Persian Cavalry led by arter gares.
- Upon urgent news of King ARA Xerxes advancing with a large army, Cyrus swiftly prepared the Army for battle, forming ranks and moving into position.
- The Persian troops, including Egyptians, Cavalry, and Bowman, were arranged in divisions along the enemy line, with scythed chariots poised to attack the Greek forces.
- Despite Cyrus's caution to disregard the noise of the approaching enemy, the Asiatic troops advanced silently and steadily towards the Greek forces.
- Cyrus ordered the Greek forces to advance against the center of the enemy battle line, aiming to confront King ARA Xerxes, but the Greek commander, clarus, hesitated due to the risk of being outmaneuvered.
- The Greek soldiers, chanting a hymn to Apollo, advanced and successfully routed the Persian forces without suffering any casualties, showcasing the importance of spirit and honor in battle.
- Cyrus, observing the routing of the enemy, charged against King ARA Xerxes's Cavalry, personally engaging in combat and inflicting a wound on the king before being fatally injured himself.
- Following Cyrus's death, the Persian forces under Aras fled the battlefield, pursued by King ARA Xerxes, who eventually looted Cyrus's camp as spoils of war.
- King ARA Xerxes then advanced towards the rear of the Greek army, causing fear of being flanked, leading the Greek commanders to extend their battle line to face the Persian forces.
16:27
Greek Victory and Retreat After Cyrus' Death
- The Persians repositioned their battle line to the original starting point, prompting the Greeks to renew their attack with increased vigor, causing the enemy to flee further than before.
- Upon reaching a village, the Greeks noticed the Persian Royal Standard atop a hill, leading to the enemy cavalry abandoning the position in disarray.
- Lysius of Syracuse was sent to survey the terrain beyond the hill, reporting the Persian army in full retreat, while the Greeks remained unaware of Cyrus' death.
- The Greek generals, upon learning of Cyrus' demise, decided to march towards Aras, who awaited them to return to Ionia, salvaging food and supplies from the battlefield before setting out on their journey back home.
