In the middle of the first millennium BCE, while the Assyrian Empire dominated the Near East with its oppressive and ruthless policies, the Medes stood against this power, seeking a leader for liberation. After the tumultuous eras of Deioces and Phraortes, and the period of Scythian domination, Cyaxares, Phraortes's son, emerged with resolute determination and profound insight to change his people's destiny forever. Cyaxares, who had learned valuable lessons from his father's defeats and mistakes, harbored the dream of building a powerful and efficient army, knowing that courage alone was not enough to overcome Assyria.
Unlike his ancestors, who perhaps relied more on local defense, Cyaxares, understanding the importance of alliance, extended a hand of friendship to the Persians. The Persians, who were initially settled around Lake Urmia, had migrated to more southern regions near the Elamite state and built a city called Parsumash there, due to repeated attacks by the Assyrian state and Urartu. This strategic alliance between the Medes and Persians formed the foundation of Aryan power on the Iranian plateau and created a new force against Assyria. According to Greek historians, Iranian tribes, including the Persians, were at this time tributaries or allies of the Medes, but everything was on the verge of change.
Cyaxares, inspired by the Assyrians' organization and military power, but with a more indigenous approach, formed a modern and disciplined army for his time. He organized agile cavalry with swift horses and infantry equipped with bows, arrows, and spears. This army, whose archers' skill was praised by Ctesias, an ancient historian, became a symbol of the Medes' determination and strength. Images of Median soldiers in the Persepolis bas-reliefs, with drawn bows and determined gazes, bore witness to the grandeur and discipline of this army, which could stand against any enemy. These fundamental reforms in the Medes' military structure further increased the power of the Median army.
Cyaxares's objective was clear: the conquest of Nineveh, the heart of the Assyrian Empire. He moved westward with a disciplined and confident army and laid a long siege to Nineveh. This was the first serious attempt to crush Assyria's central power. But fate had another game in store. At the height of this siege, news arrived that the Scythians, an aggressive and perennial nuisance to the Medes, had attacked their territory, posing a serious threat to the Median kingdom. This surprise attack placed Cyaxares in a difficult position.
Cyaxares, who deemed no delay permissible and prioritized the preservation of his homeland, abandoned the siege of Nineveh and swiftly returned to Media. In a bloody battle that took place near Lake Urmia, he was defeated by the Scythians and forced to accept harsh terms. The Scythians dominated parts of Media and its surrounding regions for 28 years, causing much destruction and extracting heavy tribute. This defeat, instead of leading Cyaxares to despair, pushed him towards a clever and unprecedented strategy.
According to a narrative recounted by Herodotus, the Greek historian, Cyaxares invited the Scythian chiefs to a grand feast. After making them thoroughly drunk with abundant wine, he had them killed. This act, though appearing vague and legendary, ended the 28-year Scythian domination over the Medes and freed Cyaxares from one of the greatest challenges of his reign.
Cyaxares not only subjugated the Scythians but also incorporated some of them into his army, utilizing their cavalry skills. This victory revitalized the Medes and made Cyaxares more determined to pursue his grand objective. After expelling the Scythians, he introduced fundamental reforms in the Medes' military structure, which further enhanced the power of the Median army. These measures prepared the Medes for greater steps against Assyria.