- 1. Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Dynasty, is renowned for his exceptional military and diplomatic skills that enabled him to construct one of the largest empires in the ancient world. His conquest of the Medes marked a pivotal point in his rise to power, as he leveraged both military might and political acumen to unite the disparate tribes under his banner. The Medes, once a formidable power in their own right, fell to Cyrus around 550 BCE, after a series of strategic battles that showcased his innovative tactics and his ability to inspire loyalty among his troops. Following the successful subjugation of the Medes, Cyrus turned his attention to Lydia, a wealthy kingdom ruled by King Croesus, who was famous for his immense wealth and the phrase 'rich as Croesus.' In 547 BCE, Cyrus launched a campaign against Lydia, culminating in the famous Battle of Sardis. His forces, employing ingenious siege techniques and striking with great swiftness, ultimately led to the capture of Sardis, the Lydia capital. This victory not only expanded Cyrus's territory but also significantly enriched his resources, as he seized the treasures of Lydia, thereby bolstering his reputation as a powerful ruler. These conquests not only marked the expansion of the Achaemenid Empire but also illustrated Cyrus's adeptness in blending diplomacy with warfare, as he later employed wisdom in governing the newly acquired regions, respecting local customs and religious practices, which helped him maintain stability and control over his vast realm.
Who was the king of Lydia when Cyrus conquered it?
A) Croesus
B) Artaxerxes
C) Xerxes
D) Darius
- 2. What was the capital of Lydia that Cyrus captured?
A) Babylon
B) Sardis
C) Susa
D) Persepolis
- 3. What was the name of the last king of the Medes before Cyrus conquered them?
A) Cyrus
B) Darius
C) Astyages
D) Nebuchadnezzar
- 4. In which battle did Cyrus defeat the Medes at Ecbatana?
A) Battle of Gaugamela
B) Battle of Pasargadae
C) Battle of Thermopylae
D) Battle of Salamis
- 5. After conquering the Medes and Lydia, Cyrus went on to establish his capital at ________.
A) Pasargadae
B) Babylon
C) Persepolis
D) Athens
- 6. Which famous Persian king was the son of Cyrus the Great?
A) Cyrus the Younger
B) Xerxes
C) Cambyses II
D) Darius I
- 7. Cyrus's conquest of Lydia brought an end to the rule of the ________ dynasty.
A) Achaemenid
B) Mermnad
C) Sasanian
D) Seleucid
- 8. What is the title given to Cyrus in the Old Testament?
A) Ruler of Nations
B) Conqueror
C) Great King
D) Anointed One
- 9. What is the name of the cylinder that contains Cyrus's edict on religious freedom?
A) Ishtar Gate
B) Behistun Inscription
C) Rosetta Stone
D) Cyrus Cylinder
- 10. What was the name of the Median city where Cyrus was proclaimed king after defeating Astyages?
A) Babylon
B) Susa
C) Ecbatana
D) Persepolis
- 11. Which Greek philosopher was influenced by Cyrus's tolerance and good governance?
A) Aristotle
B) Socrates
C) Plato
D) Xenophon
- 12. Who was the father of Cyrus the Great?
A) Astyages
B) Cambyses I
C) Darius
D) Artaxerxes
- 13. What was the name of Astyages's daughter who married Cambyses I?
A) Atossa
B) Artystone
C) Mandane
D) Cassandane
- 14. What was Cyrus's title after conquering the Medes and Lydia?
A) Master of the World
B) Prince of Persia
C) King of Kings
D) Lord of the East
- 15. Which kingdom did Cyrus conquer first?
A) Sumer
B) Lydia
C) Media
D) Persia
- 16. What role did the Persian Immortals play in Cyrus's conquests?
A) Religious priests
B) Architects and engineers
C) Elite military force
D) Diplomatic envoys
- 17. Which religion did Cyrus follow?
A) Judaism
B) Christianity
C) Buddhism
D) Zoroastrianism
- 18. During Cyrus's reign, what was the main language used in the Persian Empire?
A) Latin
B) Aramaic
C) Sanskrit
D) Greek
- 19. Which god did Cyrus credit for his victories?
A) Ahura Mazda
B) Aphrodite
C) Ishtar
D) Marduk
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