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Home Elphinstone Stalin Johnson Guy de Lusignon Croesus and the Invasion of Persia Croesus reigned from 560 to 546 BCE, the last king of Lydia. He began to worry about the growing power of Persia but he dithered; he may of been king but on this occasion he simply didn't know what to do. In order to make a decision, he consulted oracles, chiefly the Oracle at Delphi. The oracle foretold that invading Persia would lead to the downfall of a great empire. Hearing this, Croesus prepared for war. Unfortunately, he didn't consider that the downfall could be his own! Testing the Oracles The Histories of Herodotus relates the story of Croesus' decision to invade Persia. Croesus sent messengers to many oracles, testing their accuracy. He asked them to report what he was doing on the hundredth day from when his messengers departed. Delphi's answer was correct: boiling a tortoise and lamb together in a bronze pot with a bronze lid. Croesus then asked the Oracle at Delphi if he should attack the Persians. The oracle said that if Croesus attacked, "he would destroy a great empire." This became one of the most famous pronouncements Delphi ever made. Reasons for Attack Delighted, Croesus decided to attack. Naturally, he wanted to extend his territories. But he also wanted to punish Cyrus the Great of Persia for dethroning his brother-in-law, Astyages, King of Medea. When the oracle foretold that he would destroy a great empire, he trusted its truth, in part because it bolstered what he wanted to do. Cyrus is Victorious The first battle between Croesus and Cyrus was undecided, so Croesus marched home, planning to gather reinforcements and attack after winter. Correctly guessing this strategy, Cyrus pressed his army on and surprised Croesus. He forced Croesus into a battle at Sardis. Cyrus emerged victorious, capturing Croesus and taking him prisoner. Croesus as Cyrus' Advisor After defeat, Cyrus had Croesus' chains removed and seated him by his side. Cyrus sent everyone else away and asked Croesus for advice about his men sacking the city. Croesus suggested he have his guards confiscate a tenth of the spoils to be given to Zeus. Thus, the men would not object, but neither would they build up enough wealth to rebel against Cyrus. Cyrus was well-pleased with the idea. He put it into practice and offered to reward Croesus with whatever he desired. Croesus wanted to ask the Oracle at Delphi if Apollo "is accustomed to cheat his benefactors." Cyrus assented and Croesus sent his messengers. The Oracle Responds
The Priestess responded to Croesus' question. She said he could find no
fault with the prophecy; after such an ambiguous answer, a wise leader
would have inquired whether the fall of the empire meant Cyrus' or
Croesus' own. But Croesus misinterpreted the oracle and failed to clarify,
so he had none to blame but himself. When he heard the Priestess' answer,
Croesus admitted he was the one to blame. Elphinstone Stalin Johnson Guy de Lusignon A wise decision: look here for UK direct line tradesmans insurance or direct line commercial property insurance Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved |
