Wikipedia - Benutzerbeiträge [de]

Belagerung von Sardes

2018-05-06T12:35:52Z

Refoelp: /* Background */

{{refimprove|date=October 2008}}
{{Infobox Military Conflict|
conflict=Siege of Sardis (547 BC)
|partof=the Campaigns of [[Cyrus the Great]]
|image=
|caption=
|date=December, 547 BC
|place=[[Sardis]], [[Lydia]]
|result=Decisive [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian]] victory
|territory=Lydia annexed by Persia.
|combatant1=[[Lydia|Lydian Empire]]
|combatant2=[[Achaemenid|Achaemenid Empire]]
|commander1=[[Croesus]], unknown others
|commander2=[[Cyrus the Great]], [[Harpagus]], unknown others
|strength1=Unknown
|strength2=Unknown
|casualties1=Unknown
|casualties2=Light
}}
{{Campaignbox Campaigns of Cyrus the Great}}
In the '''Siege of Sardis (547/546 BC)''', the last decisive conflict after the [[Battle of Thymbra]], which was fought between the forces of [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]] and [[Cyrus the Great]], Cyrus followed Croesus to his city. He laid siege to it for 14 days, and then captured it.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Briant|first1=Pierre|title=From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire|publisher=Eisenbrauns|isbn=9781575061207|page=36|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lxQ9W6F1oSYC&pg=PA36&dq=siege+sardis+cyrus+croesus&hl=en#v=onepage&q=siege%20sardis%20cyrus%20croesus&f=false|language=en}}</ref>
== Background ==
In the previous year king [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]], impelled by various considerations, invaded the kingdom of [[Cyrus the Great]]; he hoped to quell the growing power of [[Achaemenid Persia]]; to expand his own dominions; and revenge the deposition of his brother-in-law [[Astyages]];<ref>Herodotus, ''The Histories'', (Penguin Books, 1983), I. pp. 57, 69</ref> also, he thought himself certain of success, deluded by the ambiguous assurances of the apparently reliable oracle of [[Apollo]] at [[Delphi]].<ref>Herodotus, I. pp. 58-60</ref>
Croesus crossed the [[Halys]] and met Cyrus at [[Battle of Pteria|Pteria]] in [[Cappadocia]], but after a drawn-out battle against superior forces in which neither side obtained the victory Croesus resolved to fall back for the winter, summon new allies, and renew the war reinforced in the next spring.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 71</ref> In the interim, he disbanded his army and returned to Sardis, expecting Cyrus to hang back after the sanguinary battle in Cappadocia. But the energetic Cyrus,as soon as he heard that Croesus' forces were dispersed, crossed the Halys and advanced with such speed that he had arrived at the Lydian capital, Sardis, before Croesus had any word of his approach.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 72</ref> Undaunted, Croesus mustered his availible troops and met Cyrus in the [[battle of Thymbra]] outside the walls. Cyrus was victorious, having contrived to deprive the Lydians of their last resource, their [[cavalry]] (in which the Lydians allegedly surpassed all other nations at the time), by frightening off their horses with the sight of his [[camels]]. The remnants of the Lydian army were driven within the city and promptly besieged.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 73</ref>

==The Siege ==
Croesus was still confident in his chances because [[Sardis]] was a well-fortified city consecrated by ancient prophecies to never be captured. Additionally, he had sent for immediate aid from [[Sparta]], the strongest state in Greece and his firm ally, and he hoped to enlist the Egyptians, the [[Babylonians]] and others in his coalition against Persia as well. In fact, however, the Spartans were then occupied in a war with neighboring [[Argos]], and neither they nor any other of Croesus' allies would assemble in time.<ref>Herodotus, I. p. 73, 74</ref>

Cyrus, meantime, stimulated his troops by the offer of large rewards to the first soldiers who should ascend the battlements; but repeated Persian attacks were repulsed with loss. According to [[Herodotus]], the city ultimately fell by the agency of a Persian soldier, who climbed up a section of the walls which was neither adequately garrisoned, nor protected by the ancient rites which had dedicated the rest of the cities' defenses to impregnability; the steepness of the adjoining ground outside the walls was responsible for this piece of Lydian Hubris. Hyroeades, the Persian soldier, saw a Lydian soldier climbing down the walls to retrieve a dropped helmet, and tried to follow the example. The success of his ascent set the example to the rest of Cyrus' soldiers and these swarming over the exposed wall, the city was promptly taken.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 75</ref>

== aftermath ==
[[Cyrus the Great|Cyrus]] had previously issued orders for [[Croesus]] to be spared, and the latter was hauled a captive before his exulting foe. Cyrus' first intentions to burn Croesus alive on a pyre were soon diverted by the impulse of mercy for a fallen foe, and according to ancient versions, by divine intervention of [[Apollo]], who caused a well-timed rainfall.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 76</ref> Tradition represents the two kings as reconciled thereafter; Croesus succeeded in preventing the worst rigors of a sack by representing to his captor that it was ''his'', not Croesus' property being plundered by the Persian soldiery.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 77</ref>

The kingdom of [[Lydia]] came to an end with the fall of Sardis, and her subjection was confirmed in an unsuccessful revolt in the following year, promptly crushed by Cyrus' lieutenants. The [[Aeolia]]n and [[Ionia]]n cities on the coast of [[Asia-Minor]], formerly tributaries of Lydia, were likewise conquered not long after, establishing the circumstances for Greco-Persian animosity, which would last till the outbreak of the [[Persian Wars]] in the succeeding century.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{-}}

{{coord missing|Turkey}}

{{Cyrus the Great}}

[[Category:546 BC]]
[[Category:6th-century BC conflicts]]
[[Category:6th century BC in Iran]]
[[Category:Sieges involving the Achaemenid Empire|Sardis 547]]
[[Category:Battles involving Lydia]]
[[Category:6th century BC]]
[[Category:Battles of Cyrus the Great]]

{{siege-stub}}
{{Iran-battle-stub}}

Belagerung von Sardes

2018-05-06T12:35:33Z

Refoelp: /* Background */

{{refimprove|date=October 2008}}
{{Infobox Military Conflict|
conflict=Siege of Sardis (547 BC)
|partof=the Campaigns of [[Cyrus the Great]]
|image=
|caption=
|date=December, 547 BC
|place=[[Sardis]], [[Lydia]]
|result=Decisive [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian]] victory
|territory=Lydia annexed by Persia.
|combatant1=[[Lydia|Lydian Empire]]
|combatant2=[[Achaemenid|Achaemenid Empire]]
|commander1=[[Croesus]], unknown others
|commander2=[[Cyrus the Great]], [[Harpagus]], unknown others
|strength1=Unknown
|strength2=Unknown
|casualties1=Unknown
|casualties2=Light
}}
{{Campaignbox Campaigns of Cyrus the Great}}
In the '''Siege of Sardis (547/546 BC)''', the last decisive conflict after the [[Battle of Thymbra]], which was fought between the forces of [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]] and [[Cyrus the Great]], Cyrus followed Croesus to his city. He laid siege to it for 14 days, and then captured it.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Briant|first1=Pierre|title=From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire|publisher=Eisenbrauns|isbn=9781575061207|page=36|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lxQ9W6F1oSYC&pg=PA36&dq=siege+sardis+cyrus+croesus&hl=en#v=onepage&q=siege%20sardis%20cyrus%20croesus&f=false|language=en}}</ref>
== Background ==
In the previous year king [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]], impelled by various considerations, invaded the kingdom of [[Cyrus the Great]]; he hoped to quell the growing power of [[Achaemenid Persia]]; to expand his own dominions; and revenge the deposition of his brother-in-law [[Astyges]];<ref>Herodotus, ''The Histories'', (Penguin Books, 1983), I. pp. 57, 69</ref> also, he thought himself certain of success, deluded by the ambiguous assurances of the apparently reliable oracle of [[Apollo]] at [[Delphi]].<ref>Herodotus, I. pp. 58-60</ref>
Croesus crossed the [[Halys]] and met Cyrus at [[Battle of Pteria|Pteria]] in [[Cappadocia]], but after a drawn-out battle against superior forces in which neither side obtained the victory Croesus resolved to fall back for the winter, summon new allies, and renew the war reinforced in the next spring.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 71</ref> In the interim, he disbanded his army and returned to Sardis, expecting Cyrus to hang back after the sanguinary battle in Cappadocia. But the energetic Cyrus,as soon as he heard that Croesus' forces were dispersed, crossed the Halys and advanced with such speed that he had arrived at the Lydian capital, Sardis, before Croesus had any word of his approach.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 72</ref> Undaunted, Croesus mustered his availible troops and met Cyrus in the [[battle of Thymbra]] outside the walls. Cyrus was victorious, having contrived to deprive the Lydians of their last resource, their [[cavalry]] (in which the Lydians allegedly surpassed all other nations at the time), by frightening off their horses with the sight of his [[camels]]. The remnants of the Lydian army were driven within the city and promptly besieged.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 73</ref>

==The Siege ==
Croesus was still confident in his chances because [[Sardis]] was a well-fortified city consecrated by ancient prophecies to never be captured. Additionally, he had sent for immediate aid from [[Sparta]], the strongest state in Greece and his firm ally, and he hoped to enlist the Egyptians, the [[Babylonians]] and others in his coalition against Persia as well. In fact, however, the Spartans were then occupied in a war with neighboring [[Argos]], and neither they nor any other of Croesus' allies would assemble in time.<ref>Herodotus, I. p. 73, 74</ref>

Cyrus, meantime, stimulated his troops by the offer of large rewards to the first soldiers who should ascend the battlements; but repeated Persian attacks were repulsed with loss. According to [[Herodotus]], the city ultimately fell by the agency of a Persian soldier, who climbed up a section of the walls which was neither adequately garrisoned, nor protected by the ancient rites which had dedicated the rest of the cities' defenses to impregnability; the steepness of the adjoining ground outside the walls was responsible for this piece of Lydian Hubris. Hyroeades, the Persian soldier, saw a Lydian soldier climbing down the walls to retrieve a dropped helmet, and tried to follow the example. The success of his ascent set the example to the rest of Cyrus' soldiers and these swarming over the exposed wall, the city was promptly taken.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 75</ref>

== aftermath ==
[[Cyrus the Great|Cyrus]] had previously issued orders for [[Croesus]] to be spared, and the latter was hauled a captive before his exulting foe. Cyrus' first intentions to burn Croesus alive on a pyre were soon diverted by the impulse of mercy for a fallen foe, and according to ancient versions, by divine intervention of [[Apollo]], who caused a well-timed rainfall.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 76</ref> Tradition represents the two kings as reconciled thereafter; Croesus succeeded in preventing the worst rigors of a sack by representing to his captor that it was ''his'', not Croesus' property being plundered by the Persian soldiery.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 77</ref>

The kingdom of [[Lydia]] came to an end with the fall of Sardis, and her subjection was confirmed in an unsuccessful revolt in the following year, promptly crushed by Cyrus' lieutenants. The [[Aeolia]]n and [[Ionia]]n cities on the coast of [[Asia-Minor]], formerly tributaries of Lydia, were likewise conquered not long after, establishing the circumstances for Greco-Persian animosity, which would last till the outbreak of the [[Persian Wars]] in the succeeding century.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{-}}

{{coord missing|Turkey}}

{{Cyrus the Great}}

[[Category:546 BC]]
[[Category:6th-century BC conflicts]]
[[Category:6th century BC in Iran]]
[[Category:Sieges involving the Achaemenid Empire|Sardis 547]]
[[Category:Battles involving Lydia]]
[[Category:6th century BC]]
[[Category:Battles of Cyrus the Great]]

{{siege-stub}}
{{Iran-battle-stub}}

Belagerung von Sardes

2018-05-06T12:35:15Z

Refoelp: /* Background */

{{refimprove|date=October 2008}}
{{Infobox Military Conflict|
conflict=Siege of Sardis (547 BC)
|partof=the Campaigns of [[Cyrus the Great]]
|image=
|caption=
|date=December, 547 BC
|place=[[Sardis]], [[Lydia]]
|result=Decisive [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian]] victory
|territory=Lydia annexed by Persia.
|combatant1=[[Lydia|Lydian Empire]]
|combatant2=[[Achaemenid|Achaemenid Empire]]
|commander1=[[Croesus]], unknown others
|commander2=[[Cyrus the Great]], [[Harpagus]], unknown others
|strength1=Unknown
|strength2=Unknown
|casualties1=Unknown
|casualties2=Light
}}
{{Campaignbox Campaigns of Cyrus the Great}}
In the '''Siege of Sardis (547/546 BC)''', the last decisive conflict after the [[Battle of Thymbra]], which was fought between the forces of [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]] and [[Cyrus the Great]], Cyrus followed Croesus to his city. He laid siege to it for 14 days, and then captured it.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Briant|first1=Pierre|title=From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire|publisher=Eisenbrauns|isbn=9781575061207|page=36|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lxQ9W6F1oSYC&pg=PA36&dq=siege+sardis+cyrus+croesus&hl=en#v=onepage&q=siege%20sardis%20cyrus%20croesus&f=false|language=en}}</ref>
== Background ==
In the previous year king [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]], impelled by various considerations, invaded the kingdom of [[Cyrus the Great]]; he hoped to quell the growing power of [[Achaemenid Persia]]; to expand his own dominions; and revenge the deposition of his brother-in-law [[Astayges]];<ref>Herodotus, ''The Histories'', (Penguin Books, 1983), I. pp. 57, 69</ref> also, he thought himself certain of success, deluded by the ambiguous assurances of the apparently reliable oracle of [[Apollo]] at [[Delphi]].<ref>Herodotus, I. pp. 58-60</ref>
Croesus crossed the [[Halys]] and met Cyrus at [[Battle of Pteria|Pteria]] in [[Cappadocia]], but after a drawn-out battle against superior forces in which neither side obtained the victory Croesus resolved to fall back for the winter, summon new allies, and renew the war reinforced in the next spring.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 71</ref> In the interim, he disbanded his army and returned to Sardis, expecting Cyrus to hang back after the sanguinary battle in Cappadocia. But the energetic Cyrus,as soon as he heard that Croesus' forces were dispersed, crossed the Halys and advanced with such speed that he had arrived at the Lydian capital, Sardis, before Croesus had any word of his approach.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 72</ref> Undaunted, Croesus mustered his availible troops and met Cyrus in the [[battle of Thymbra]] outside the walls. Cyrus was victorious, having contrived to deprive the Lydians of their last resource, their [[cavalry]] (in which the Lydians allegedly surpassed all other nations at the time), by frightening off their horses with the sight of his [[camels]]. The remnants of the Lydian army were driven within the city and promptly besieged.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 73</ref>

==The Siege ==
Croesus was still confident in his chances because [[Sardis]] was a well-fortified city consecrated by ancient prophecies to never be captured. Additionally, he had sent for immediate aid from [[Sparta]], the strongest state in Greece and his firm ally, and he hoped to enlist the Egyptians, the [[Babylonians]] and others in his coalition against Persia as well. In fact, however, the Spartans were then occupied in a war with neighboring [[Argos]], and neither they nor any other of Croesus' allies would assemble in time.<ref>Herodotus, I. p. 73, 74</ref>

Cyrus, meantime, stimulated his troops by the offer of large rewards to the first soldiers who should ascend the battlements; but repeated Persian attacks were repulsed with loss. According to [[Herodotus]], the city ultimately fell by the agency of a Persian soldier, who climbed up a section of the walls which was neither adequately garrisoned, nor protected by the ancient rites which had dedicated the rest of the cities' defenses to impregnability; the steepness of the adjoining ground outside the walls was responsible for this piece of Lydian Hubris. Hyroeades, the Persian soldier, saw a Lydian soldier climbing down the walls to retrieve a dropped helmet, and tried to follow the example. The success of his ascent set the example to the rest of Cyrus' soldiers and these swarming over the exposed wall, the city was promptly taken.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 75</ref>

== aftermath ==
[[Cyrus the Great|Cyrus]] had previously issued orders for [[Croesus]] to be spared, and the latter was hauled a captive before his exulting foe. Cyrus' first intentions to burn Croesus alive on a pyre were soon diverted by the impulse of mercy for a fallen foe, and according to ancient versions, by divine intervention of [[Apollo]], who caused a well-timed rainfall.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 76</ref> Tradition represents the two kings as reconciled thereafter; Croesus succeeded in preventing the worst rigors of a sack by representing to his captor that it was ''his'', not Croesus' property being plundered by the Persian soldiery.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 77</ref>

The kingdom of [[Lydia]] came to an end with the fall of Sardis, and her subjection was confirmed in an unsuccessful revolt in the following year, promptly crushed by Cyrus' lieutenants. The [[Aeolia]]n and [[Ionia]]n cities on the coast of [[Asia-Minor]], formerly tributaries of Lydia, were likewise conquered not long after, establishing the circumstances for Greco-Persian animosity, which would last till the outbreak of the [[Persian Wars]] in the succeeding century.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{-}}

{{coord missing|Turkey}}

{{Cyrus the Great}}

[[Category:546 BC]]
[[Category:6th-century BC conflicts]]
[[Category:6th century BC in Iran]]
[[Category:Sieges involving the Achaemenid Empire|Sardis 547]]
[[Category:Battles involving Lydia]]
[[Category:6th century BC]]
[[Category:Battles of Cyrus the Great]]

{{siege-stub}}
{{Iran-battle-stub}}

Belagerung von Sardes

2018-05-06T12:33:00Z

Refoelp: /* aftermath */

{{refimprove|date=October 2008}}
{{Infobox Military Conflict|
conflict=Siege of Sardis (547 BC)
|partof=the Campaigns of [[Cyrus the Great]]
|image=
|caption=
|date=December, 547 BC
|place=[[Sardis]], [[Lydia]]
|result=Decisive [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian]] victory
|territory=Lydia annexed by Persia.
|combatant1=[[Lydia|Lydian Empire]]
|combatant2=[[Achaemenid|Achaemenid Empire]]
|commander1=[[Croesus]], unknown others
|commander2=[[Cyrus the Great]], [[Harpagus]], unknown others
|strength1=Unknown
|strength2=Unknown
|casualties1=Unknown
|casualties2=Light
}}
{{Campaignbox Campaigns of Cyrus the Great}}
In the '''Siege of Sardis (547/546 BC)''', the last decisive conflict after the [[Battle of Thymbra]], which was fought between the forces of [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]] and [[Cyrus the Great]], Cyrus followed Croesus to his city. He laid siege to it for 14 days, and then captured it.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Briant|first1=Pierre|title=From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire|publisher=Eisenbrauns|isbn=9781575061207|page=36|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lxQ9W6F1oSYC&pg=PA36&dq=siege+sardis+cyrus+croesus&hl=en#v=onepage&q=siege%20sardis%20cyrus%20croesus&f=false|language=en}}</ref>
== Background ==
In the previous year king [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]], impelled by various considerations, invaded the kingdom of [[Cyrus the Great]]; he hoped to quell the growing power of [[Achaemenid Persia]]; to expand his own dominions; and revenge the deposition of his brother-in-law [[Astayges]];<ref>Herodotus, ''The Histories'', (Penguin Books, 1983), I. pp. 57, 69</ref> also, he thought himself certain of success, deluded by the ambiguous assurances of the apparently reliable oracle of [[Apollo]] at [[Delphi]].<ref>Herodotus, I. pp. 58-60</ref>
Croesus crossed the Halys and met Cyrus at Pteria in Cappadocia, but after a drawn-out battle against superior forces in which neither side obtained the victory Croesus resolved to fall back for the winter, summon new allies, and renew the war reinforced in the next spring.<ref>Herodotus, I., p 71</ref> In the interim, he disbanded his army and returned to Sardis, expecting Cyrus to hang back after the sanguinary battle in Cappadocia. But the energetic Cyrus,as soon as he heard that Croesus' forces were dispersed, crossed the Halys and advanced with such speed that he had arrived at the Lydian capital, Sardis, before Croesus had any word of his approach.<ref>Herodotus, I., 72</ref> Undaunted, Croesus mustered his availible troops and met Cyrus in the battle of Thymbra outside the walls. Cyrus was victorious, having contrived to deprive the Lydians of their last resource, their cavalry (in which the Lydians allegedly surpassed all other nations at the time), by frightening off their horses with the sight of his camels. The remnants of the Lydian army were driven within the city and promptly besieged.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 73</ref>

==The Siege ==
Croesus was still confident in his chances because [[Sardis]] was a well-fortified city consecrated by ancient prophecies to never be captured. Additionally, he had sent for immediate aid from [[Sparta]], the strongest state in Greece and his firm ally, and he hoped to enlist the Egyptians, the [[Babylonians]] and others in his coalition against Persia as well. In fact, however, the Spartans were then occupied in a war with neighboring [[Argos]], and neither they nor any other of Croesus' allies would assemble in time.<ref>Herodotus, I. p. 73, 74</ref>

Cyrus, meantime, stimulated his troops by the offer of large rewards to the first soldiers who should ascend the battlements; but repeated Persian attacks were repulsed with loss. According to [[Herodotus]], the city ultimately fell by the agency of a Persian soldier, who climbed up a section of the walls which was neither adequately garrisoned, nor protected by the ancient rites which had dedicated the rest of the cities' defenses to impregnability; the steepness of the adjoining ground outside the walls was responsible for this piece of Lydian Hubris. Hyroeades, the Persian soldier, saw a Lydian soldier climbing down the walls to retrieve a dropped helmet, and tried to follow the example. The success of his ascent set the example to the rest of Cyrus' soldiers and these swarming over the exposed wall, the city was promptly taken.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 75</ref>

== aftermath ==
[[Cyrus the Great|Cyrus]] had previously issued orders for [[Croesus]] to be spared, and the latter was hauled a captive before his exulting foe. Cyrus' first intentions to burn Croesus alive on a pyre were soon diverted by the impulse of mercy for a fallen foe, and according to ancient versions, by divine intervention of [[Apollo]], who caused a well-timed rainfall.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 76</ref> Tradition represents the two kings as reconciled thereafter; Croesus succeeded in preventing the worst rigors of a sack by representing to his captor that it was ''his'', not Croesus' property being plundered by the Persian soldiery.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 77</ref>

The kingdom of [[Lydia]] came to an end with the fall of Sardis, and her subjection was confirmed in an unsuccessful revolt in the following year, promptly crushed by Cyrus' lieutenants. The [[Aeolia]]n and [[Ionia]]n cities on the coast of [[Asia-Minor]], formerly tributaries of Lydia, were likewise conquered not long after, establishing the circumstances for Greco-Persian animosity, which would last till the outbreak of the [[Persian Wars]] in the succeeding century.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{-}}

{{coord missing|Turkey}}

{{Cyrus the Great}}

[[Category:546 BC]]
[[Category:6th-century BC conflicts]]
[[Category:6th century BC in Iran]]
[[Category:Sieges involving the Achaemenid Empire|Sardis 547]]
[[Category:Battles involving Lydia]]
[[Category:6th century BC]]
[[Category:Battles of Cyrus the Great]]

{{siege-stub}}
{{Iran-battle-stub}}

Belagerung von Sardes

2018-05-06T12:31:18Z

Refoelp: /* The Siege */

{{refimprove|date=October 2008}}
{{Infobox Military Conflict|
conflict=Siege of Sardis (547 BC)
|partof=the Campaigns of [[Cyrus the Great]]
|image=
|caption=
|date=December, 547 BC
|place=[[Sardis]], [[Lydia]]
|result=Decisive [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian]] victory
|territory=Lydia annexed by Persia.
|combatant1=[[Lydia|Lydian Empire]]
|combatant2=[[Achaemenid|Achaemenid Empire]]
|commander1=[[Croesus]], unknown others
|commander2=[[Cyrus the Great]], [[Harpagus]], unknown others
|strength1=Unknown
|strength2=Unknown
|casualties1=Unknown
|casualties2=Light
}}
{{Campaignbox Campaigns of Cyrus the Great}}
In the '''Siege of Sardis (547/546 BC)''', the last decisive conflict after the [[Battle of Thymbra]], which was fought between the forces of [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]] and [[Cyrus the Great]], Cyrus followed Croesus to his city. He laid siege to it for 14 days, and then captured it.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Briant|first1=Pierre|title=From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire|publisher=Eisenbrauns|isbn=9781575061207|page=36|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lxQ9W6F1oSYC&pg=PA36&dq=siege+sardis+cyrus+croesus&hl=en#v=onepage&q=siege%20sardis%20cyrus%20croesus&f=false|language=en}}</ref>
== Background ==
In the previous year king [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]], impelled by various considerations, invaded the kingdom of [[Cyrus the Great]]; he hoped to quell the growing power of [[Achaemenid Persia]]; to expand his own dominions; and revenge the deposition of his brother-in-law [[Astayges]];<ref>Herodotus, ''The Histories'', (Penguin Books, 1983), I. pp. 57, 69</ref> also, he thought himself certain of success, deluded by the ambiguous assurances of the apparently reliable oracle of [[Apollo]] at [[Delphi]].<ref>Herodotus, I. pp. 58-60</ref>
Croesus crossed the Halys and met Cyrus at Pteria in Cappadocia, but after a drawn-out battle against superior forces in which neither side obtained the victory Croesus resolved to fall back for the winter, summon new allies, and renew the war reinforced in the next spring.<ref>Herodotus, I., p 71</ref> In the interim, he disbanded his army and returned to Sardis, expecting Cyrus to hang back after the sanguinary battle in Cappadocia. But the energetic Cyrus,as soon as he heard that Croesus' forces were dispersed, crossed the Halys and advanced with such speed that he had arrived at the Lydian capital, Sardis, before Croesus had any word of his approach.<ref>Herodotus, I., 72</ref> Undaunted, Croesus mustered his availible troops and met Cyrus in the battle of Thymbra outside the walls. Cyrus was victorious, having contrived to deprive the Lydians of their last resource, their cavalry (in which the Lydians allegedly surpassed all other nations at the time), by frightening off their horses with the sight of his camels. The remnants of the Lydian army were driven within the city and promptly besieged.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 73</ref>

==The Siege ==
Croesus was still confident in his chances because [[Sardis]] was a well-fortified city consecrated by ancient prophecies to never be captured. Additionally, he had sent for immediate aid from [[Sparta]], the strongest state in Greece and his firm ally, and he hoped to enlist the Egyptians, the [[Babylonians]] and others in his coalition against Persia as well. In fact, however, the Spartans were then occupied in a war with neighboring [[Argos]], and neither they nor any other of Croesus' allies would assemble in time.<ref>Herodotus, I. p. 73, 74</ref>

Cyrus, meantime, stimulated his troops by the offer of large rewards to the first soldiers who should ascend the battlements; but repeated Persian attacks were repulsed with loss. According to [[Herodotus]], the city ultimately fell by the agency of a Persian soldier, who climbed up a section of the walls which was neither adequately garrisoned, nor protected by the ancient rites which had dedicated the rest of the cities' defenses to impregnability; the steepness of the adjoining ground outside the walls was responsible for this piece of Lydian Hubris. Hyroeades, the Persian soldier, saw a Lydian soldier climbing down the walls to retrieve a dropped helmet, and tried to follow the example. The success of his ascent set the example to the rest of Cyrus' soldiers and these swarming over the exposed wall, the city was promptly taken.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 75</ref>

== aftermath ==
Cyrus had previously issued orders for Croesus to be spared, and the latter was hauled a captive before his exulting foe. Cyrus' first intentions to burn Croesus alive on a pyre were soon diverted by the impulse of mercy for a fallen foe, and according to ancient versions, by divine intervention of Apollo, who caused a well-timed rainfall.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 76</ref> Tradition represents the two kings as reconciled thereafter; Croesus succeeded in preventing the worst rigours of a sack by representing to his captor that it was ''his'', not Croesus' property being plundered by the Persian soldiery.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 77</ref>

The kingdom of Lydia came to an end with the fall of Sardis, and her subjection was confirmed in an unsuccessful revolt in the following year, promptly crushed by Cyrus' lieutenants. The Aeolian and Ionian cities on the coast of Asia-Minor, formerly tributaries of Lydia, were likewise conquered not long after, establishing the circumstances for Greco-Persian animosity, which would last till the outbreak of the [[Persian wars]] in the succeeding century.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{-}}

{{coord missing|Turkey}}

{{Cyrus the Great}}

[[Category:546 BC]]
[[Category:6th-century BC conflicts]]
[[Category:6th century BC in Iran]]
[[Category:Sieges involving the Achaemenid Empire|Sardis 547]]
[[Category:Battles involving Lydia]]
[[Category:6th century BC]]
[[Category:Battles of Cyrus the Great]]

{{siege-stub}}
{{Iran-battle-stub}}

Belagerung von Sardes

2018-05-06T10:51:25Z

Refoelp:

{{refimprove|date=October 2008}}
{{Infobox Military Conflict|
conflict=Siege of Sardis (547 BC)
|partof=the Campaigns of [[Cyrus the Great]]
|image=
|caption=
|date=December, 547 BC
|place=[[Sardis]], [[Lydia]]
|result=Decisive [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian]] victory
|territory=Lydia annexed by Persia.
|combatant1=[[Lydia|Lydian Empire]]
|combatant2=[[Achaemenid|Achaemenid Empire]]
|commander1=[[Croesus]], unknown others
|commander2=[[Cyrus the Great]], [[Harpagus]], unknown others
|strength1=Unknown
|strength2=Unknown
|casualties1=Unknown
|casualties2=Light
}}
{{Campaignbox Campaigns of Cyrus the Great}}
In the '''Siege of Sardis (547/546 BC)''', the last decisive conflict after the [[Battle of Thymbra]], which was fought between the forces of [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]] and [[Cyrus the Great]], Cyrus followed Croesus to his city. He laid siege to it for 14 days, and then captured it.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Briant|first1=Pierre|title=From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire|publisher=Eisenbrauns|isbn=9781575061207|page=36|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lxQ9W6F1oSYC&pg=PA36&dq=siege+sardis+cyrus+croesus&hl=en#v=onepage&q=siege%20sardis%20cyrus%20croesus&f=false|language=en}}</ref>
== Background ==
In the previous year king [[Croesus]] of [[Lydia]], impelled by various considerations, invaded the kingdom of [[Cyrus the Great]]; he hoped to quell the growing power of [[Achaemenid Persia]]; to expand his own dominions; and revenge the deposition of his brother-in-law [[Astayges]];<ref>Herodotus, ''The Histories'', (Penguin Books, 1983), I. pp. 57, 69</ref> also, he thought himself certain of success, deluded by the ambiguous assurances of the apparently reliable oracle of [[Apollo]] at [[Delphi]].<ref>Herodotus, I. pp. 58-60</ref>
Croesus crossed the Halys and met Cyrus at Pteria in Cappadocia, but after a drawn-out battle against superior forces in which neither side obtained the victory Croesus resolved to fall back for the winter, summon new allies, and renew the war reinforced in the next spring.<ref>Herodotus, I., p 71</ref> In the interim, he disbanded his army and returned to Sardis, expecting Cyrus to hang back after the sanguinary battle in Cappadocia. But the energetic Cyrus,as soon as he heard that Croesus' forces were dispersed, crossed the Halys and advanced with such speed that he had arrived at the Lydian capital, Sardis, before Croesus had any word of his approach.<ref>Herodotus, I., 72</ref> Undaunted, Croesus mustered his availible troops and met Cyrus in the battle of Thymbra outside the walls. Cyrus was victorious, having contrived to deprive the Lydians of their last resource, their cavalry (in which the Lydians allegedly surpassed all other nations at the time), by frightening off their horses with the sight of his camels. The remnants of the Lydian army were driven within the city and promptly besieged.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 73</ref>

==The Siege ==
Croesus was still confident in his chances because Sardis was a well-fortified city consecrated by ancient prophecies to never be captured. Additionally, he had sent for immediate aid from Sparta, the strongest state in Greece and his firm ally, and he hoped to enlist the Egyptians, the Babylonians and others in his coalition against Persia as well. In fact, however, the Spartans were then occupied in a war with neighboring Argos, and neither they nor any other of Croesus' allies would assemble in time.<ref>Herodotus, I. p. 73, 74</ref>

Cyrus, meantime, stimulated his troops by the offer of large rewards to the first soldiers who should ascend the battlements; but repeated Persian attacks were repulsed with loss. According to Herodotus, the city ultimately fell by the agency of a Persian soldier, who climbed up a section of the walls which was neither adequately garrisoned, nor protected by the ancient rites which had dedicated the rest of the cities' defenses to impregnability; the steepness of the adjoining ground outsidethe walls was responsible for this piece of Lydian Hubris. Hyroeades, the Persian soldier, saw a Lydian soldier climbing down the walls to retrieve a dropped helmet, and tried to follow the example. The successs of his ascent set the example to the rest of Cyrus' soldiers and these swarming over the exposed wall, the city was promptly taken.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 75</ref>

== aftermath ==
Cyrus had previously issued orders for Croesus to be spared, and the latter was hauled a captive before his exulting foe. Cyrus' first intentions to burn Croesus alive on a pyre were soon diverted by the impulse of mercy for a fallen foe, and according to ancient versions, by divine intervention of Apollo, who caused a well-timed rainfall.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 76</ref> Tradition represents the two kings as reconciled thereafter; Croesus succeeded in preventing the worst rigours of a sack by representing to his captor that it was ''his'', not Croesus' property being plundered by the Persian soldiery.<ref>Herodotus, I., p. 77</ref>

The kingdom of Lydia came to an end with the fall of Sardis, and her subjection was confirmed in an unsuccessful revolt in the following year, promptly crushed by Cyrus' lieutenants. The Aeolian and Ionian cities on the coast of Asia-Minor, formerly tributaries of Lydia, were likewise conquered not long after, establishing the circumstances for Greco-Persian animosity, which would last till the outbreak of the [[Persian wars]] in the succeeding century.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{-}}

{{coord missing|Turkey}}

{{Cyrus the Great}}

[[Category:546 BC]]
[[Category:6th-century BC conflicts]]
[[Category:6th century BC in Iran]]
[[Category:Sieges involving the Achaemenid Empire|Sardis 547]]
[[Category:Battles involving Lydia]]
[[Category:6th century BC]]
[[Category:Battles of Cyrus the Great]]

{{siege-stub}}
{{Iran-battle-stub}}