Persian Revolt

The Persian Revolt, as it is known, was the first time the unified province of ancient Persis, after voluntary submission to the Assyrians and Medes two times earlier, declared its independence, and commenced its revolution as it later separated from the Median Empire. However, it is unknown whether their subjugation was official. The revolt was triggered by the actions of Astyages, the ruler of Media, which spread to other provinces, as they allied with the Persians. The war lasted from 552 BC to 550 BC. The Medes had early successes in battles, but the comeback by Cyrus the Great and army was too overwhelming, and the Medes were finally conquered by 549 BC.

Thus the first official Persian Empire was born. It all began summer 553 BC, and led to the rise of Persia.

Ancient Sources

 * The Nabonidus Chronicle of the Babylonian Chronicles


 * Herodotus (The Histories) I, 127
 * Ctesias (Persica)
 * Diodorus Siculus (Bibliotheca historica)
 * Justin, Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus
 * Fragments of Nicolas of Damascus
 * Strabo (History), (XV 3.8)

Modern Sources

 * Ilya Gershevitch, ed., The Cambridge History of Iran. Vol. 2: The Median and Achaemenian Periods.  Cambridge University Press (1985) ISBN 0-521-20091-1