CLASSICS 1M03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Croesus, Achaemenid Empire, Sogdia
24 Sep 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Croesus of lydia (c. 560 - 546 bc) Lydian empire dates from c. 1200 bc. Delphi: if you attack, you will destroy a great empire. ". Bactria, sogdiana, india, thrace (partial) composition of xerxes" force. Centralized, top down, hierarchical government: ane model; King is representative of chief deity: ahuramazda. Persians practice religious tolerance and respect for customs; Largest territorial and multi-ethnic nation in history until roman empire in 2nd cent. Common model: narrow political elite; monarchy centralisedgovernment; extractive political economy. Oligarchic/democratic overthrow of tyrants & persian taxes sparks revolt of ionian citie. One man is more difficult to fool than the many". Spartans unable to help the cavalry are away". Centre is overpowered by persians; wings victorious, double back to aid the center. Greeks catch the persians in a double envelopment. Enormous, multi-ethnic army crosses the hellespont via pontoon bridge; supported by equally vast persian fleet; Leonidas leads 300 spartiates chosen from men with living sons; 700 perioikoi; c. 9000 other greeks.
