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The book is a historical account of the ancient world, focusing on the Persian Empire and its interactions with other civilizations, including the Greeks, Egyptians, and Babylonians. The story begins with the rise of Cyrus the Great, who conquers the Lydian Empire and its king, Croesus. The book then follows the expansion of the Persian Empire under Cyrus and his successors, including Cambyses and Dareios. Along the way, it explores the customs, mythology, and legends of the ancient Greeks, as well as the history and culture of the Egyptians, including their unique practices, knowledge of medicine, and architectural achievements. The book also delves into the lives of various historical figures, such as Polycrates, the tyrant of Samos, and Demokedes, a physician from Croton who plays a significant role in the story of Dareios. Throughout the book, the author weaves together a complex narrative that highlights the intricacies of ancient politics, warfare, and cultural exchange. Ultimately, the book provides a rich and detailed portrait of the ancient world, shedding light on the lives and experiences of people who lived over two thousand years ago.
The chapter begins with a discussion of the ancient Persian Empire and the rise of Cyrus the Great, who conquered the Lydian Empire and its king, Croesus. The story of Croesus' life and reign is told, including his wealth, power, and eventual downfall. The chapter also explores the history of the Persian Empire, including the Medes and their customs, as well as the Ionians and their cities. Additionally, the chapter touches on the mythology and legends of the ancient Greeks, including the story of the hero Periander and the musician Arion. The chapter concludes with a description of the Persian Empire's expansion and conquests under Cyrus, including the siege of Sardis and the eventual submission of the Ionian cities.
The Phocaians, led by a priestess, set sail for Corsica, where they established a city called Alalia. They spent five years in Alalia, building temples and plundering neighboring territories. However, they were eventually attacked by a coalition of Tyrsenians and Carthaginians, who defeated them in a sea battle. The Phocaians were forced to abandon Alalia and sail to Rhegion, where they founded a new city. The Carthaginians and Tyrsenians killed many of the Phocaians who were left behind, and the survivors were forced to found a new city in the land of Oenotria. Meanwhile, the Persian king Cyrus was expanding his empire, conquering the Ionians and Aeolians, and eventually marching against the Assyrians. He laid siege to Babylon, which was a heavily fortified city with a complex system of walls and canals. The Babylonians, led by Queen Nitocris, defended their city bravely, but Cyrus was eventually able to breach the walls and capture the city. Cyrus then marched against the Massagetai, a warlike nation that lived east of the river Araxes. He was met with resistance from the Massagetai queen, Tomyris, who refused to surrender. Cyrus was eventually killed in battle, and his son Cambyses succeeded him as king. The Massagetai were known for their bravery and martial skills, and they were said to be descended from the Scythians. They had a number of unique customs, including the practice of sacrificing old men and eating their flesh. The Egyptians, on the other hand, had a number of customs that were opposite to those of the Greeks. They believed in a number of gods and goddesses, including Isis and Osiris, and they had a number of festivals and rituals in their honor. They also had a number of unique practices, including the worship of animals and the use of sacred symbols. The Egyptians were also known for their knowledge of medicine and their skill in architecture. They built a number of impressive temples and monuments, including the pyramids, which were considered to be one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world. The Nile river, which ran through the heart of Egypt, was considered to be sacred, and the Egyptians believed that it was the source of all life. They also believed in an afterlife, and they developed a number of elaborate rituals and ceremonies to ensure the safe passage of the dead into the afterlife. The Egyptians were also known for their love of learning and their desire to acquire knowledge. They developed a number of sciences, including mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, and they made a number of important discoveries in these fields. They also developed a system of writing, which allowed them to record their knowledge and pass it down to future generations. Overall, the Egyptians were a highly advanced and sophisticated civilization, and their culture and achievements continue to fascinate and inspire people to this day.
The chapter begins with the story of Cambyses, the son of Cyrus, who sets out to conquer Egypt. He is motivated by a desire to marry the daughter of Amasis, the king of Egypt, but Amasis sends him a fake daughter, Nitetis, who is actually the daughter of Apries, a former king of Egypt. Cambyses discovers the deception and becomes enraged, leading to a war between the Persians and the Egyptians. The Persians ultimately emerge victorious, and Psammenitos, the son of Amasis, is taken captive. Cambyses then proceeds to commit various acts of madness, including the killing of his brother Smerdis and his sister, who was also his wife. Meanwhile, a group of seven noble Persians, including Otanes, Megabyzos, and Dareios, conspire against the Magian who has usurped the throne. They discover that the Magian is an imposter and kill him, and Dareios becomes the new king. The chapter also includes the story of Polycrates, the tyrant of Samos, who is warned by Amasis to beware of his own good fortune, but ultimately meets a bad end at the hands of Oroites, the Persian governor of Sardis.
The chapter begins with the story of Dareios, who asks thirty men to undertake a task, and one of them, Bagaios, is chosen by lot. Bagaios goes to Sardis and tricks the spearmen of the guard into obeying him, ultimately leading to the death of Oroites. Meanwhile, Dareios injures his foot while hunting and is treated by Demokedes, a physician from Croton. Demokedes cures Dareios and is rewarded with gifts and a place at the king's table. Atossa, Dareios' wife, is also treated by Demokedes for a tumor, and she asks him to persuade Dareios to make an expedition against Hellas. Dareios agrees and sends Demokedes and fifteen Persians to spy on the Hellenes. They sail to Hellas, but their ship is damaged, and they are forced to put in at Taras in Italy. The Tarentines, led by Aristophilides, detain the Persians, but Demokedes escapes and returns to Croton. The Persians are eventually released and return to Asia, but not before Demokedes sends a message to Dareios, saying that he is betrothed to the daughter of Milon, a famous wrestler. The chapter concludes with the story of Syloson, who is given the task of recovering Samos, which has been taken over by Maiandrios, a tyrant. Syloson goes to Susa and asks Dareios for help, and Dareios sends Otanes with an expedition to restore Syloson to power. The expedition is successful, but Maiandrios escapes and goes to Lacedemon, where he is expelled by the Spartans.