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Story of Croesus
Croesus, King of Lydia
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What did Cyrus do that threatened Croesus? | Cyrus had conquered the Median Empire of Astyages and the Persians were growing more powerful. |
What did Croesus do after he heard about Cyrus? | He consulted the oracle of Delphi whether he should go to war with the Persians, and if so, if he should strengthen himself with allies. |
What was the Oracle's reply | If you attack the Persians, you will destroy a great empire |
What did the Oracle say when Croesus asked if his kingdom would be of long duration? | "Wait till the time when a mule is monarch of Media" |
What is the symbolism behind the mule? | A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey, and Cyrus was half Persian and Half Median. Cyrus was the mule. |
How did Croesus begin his campaign against the Persians | He crossed the Halys River to attack Pteria |
What was the result of the Battle of Pteria | Inconclusive battle, heavy casualties on both sides but no clear winner |
What did Croesus do at the end of the battle of Pteria? | He retreated to Sardis, disbanding his army and requesting alliance from foreign powers to coordinate a stronger attack in the Spring |
What device did the Persians adopt, suggested by Harpagus? | They put camels on the front line, their smell scared the horses of the Lydians |
What did Croesus do as he retreated into Sardis, fearing the worst? | He sought help from Sparta, Babylon, and Egypt, but none could gather their forces in time before Croesus was taken prisoner and Sardis had been captured. |