CYRUS' CONQUESTS: LYDIA

Under King Croesus, Lydia was a wealthy and powerful kingdom. He consulted the Oracle at Delphi on whether he should attack the Persian empire. The Oracle replied "If you go to war, you will destroy a great empire"
He interpreted this prophecy as positive for him and was confident in defeating Cyrus
He attacked first but there was no decisive victory. He disbanded his army, planning to attack again in the spring, believing that the Persians would not attack over winter
Cyrus advanced before the Lydians had time to reorganise their army and reached Sardis, the Lydian capital
The decisive battle happened near Sardis and thanks to Cyrus’ tactics the Persians won

WHY DID CROESUS ATTACK THE PERSIAN EMPIRE?

He wondered if he could check Persian expansion before it went too far
He interpreted the Oracle’s answers as positive for him and was fully confident in destroying Cyrus’ power
He wanted to expand his territories
He wanted to punish Cyrus for dethroning his brother in law, Astyages

CONSEQUENCES OF THE PERSIAN VICTORY