Cyaxares
(Κυαξάρης). (1) A king of the Medes, grandson of Deioces, son of Phraortes, and father of Astyages. He was a prince of violent character, and this trait displayed itself in his treatment of the Scythians, a body of whom had taken refuge in his territories in consequence of a sedition. He received them kindly, allowed them settlements, and even went so far as to intrust some children to their care, in order to have them taught the Scythian language and a knowledge of archery. After some time had elapsed, the Scythians, accustomed to go forth to the chase, and to bring back to the king some of the game obtained by the hunt, returned one day with empty hands. Cyaxares gave vent to his temper by punishing them severely. The Scythians, indignant at this treatment, which they knew to be unmerited, resolved to slay one of the children confided to their care, and, after preparing the flesh like the game they had been accustomed to bring, to serve it up before Cyaxares, and betake themselves immediately to Alyattes at Sardis (Herod. i. 73, 74). This cruel revenge succeeded but too well. Cyaxares demanded the fugitives from King Alyattes, and on his refusal a war ensued. This war lasted for five years; in the sixth, an eclipse of the sun, which had been predicted by Thales, separated the contending armies (B.C. 610). Peace was soon restored through the mediation of Labynetus, king of Babylon, and Syennesis, king of Cilicia (Herod.i. 73 foll.). Herodotus also informs us (i. 103) that Cyaxares was the first who regularly trained the Asiatics to military service; dividing the troops, which had been imbodied promiscuously before his time, into distinct companies of lancers, archers, and cavalry. The historian then adds parenthetically, “this was he who waged war with the Lydians; when, during a battle, the day became night.” This parenthetical remark evidently refers to the foregoing account of the eclipse. We are next informed that, having subdued all Asia above the river Halys, he marched with all that were under his command against Nineveh, resolving to avenge the death of his father by the destruction of that city. After he had defeated the Assyrians he laid siege to the city, but was forced to raise it by a sudden invasion of his territories. For a numerous army of Scythians, headed by Madyas, made an irruption into Media, defeated him in a pitched battle, and brought both him and all Upper Asia under subjection to them for eight-and-twenty years (Herod.i. 103 foll.). Then, in revenge for their galling impositions and exactions, he slew their chieftains, when intoxicated, at a banquet to which he had invited them; and, expelling the rest, recovered his former power and possessions. After this, the Medes took Nineveh and subdued the Assyrian provinces, all except the Babylonians, their confederates in the war. Cyaxares died after having reigned forty years (B.C. 634-594), including twenty-eight years of the Scythian dominion.
(2) Son of Astyages, succeeding his father at the age of forty-nine years. Being naturally of an easy, indolent disposition and fond of his amusements, he left the burden of military affairs and the care of the government to Cyrus, his nephew and sonin-law, who married his only daughter, and was, therefore, doubly entitled to succeed him.
- Hdt. 1.16
- father of Astyages: Paus. 5.10.3
- Scythian offences against him: Hdt. 1.73
- his victories over Scythians and Assyrians and capture of Ninus: Hdt. 1.103, Hdt. 1.106