Histories

Deioces had a son, Phraortes, who inherited the throne when Deioces died after a reign of fifty-three years.[*](Deioces died in 656 B.C.) Having inherited it, he was not content to rule the Medes alone: marching against the Persians, he attacked them first, and they were the first whom he made subject to the Medes.

Then, with these two strong nations at his back, he subjugated one nation of Asia (continent)Asia after another, until he marched against the Assyrians; that is, against those of the Assyrians who held Nineveh (deserted settlement), Ninawa, Iraq, AsiaNinus. These had formerly been rulers of all; but now their allies had deserted them and they were left alone, though well-off themselves. Marching against these Assyrians, then, Phraortes and most of his army perished, after he had reigned twenty-two years.

At his death he was succeeded by his son Cyaxares. He is said to have been a much greater soldier than his ancestors: it was he who first organized the men of Asia (continent)Asia in companies and posted each arm apart, the spearmen and archers and cavalry: before this they were all mingled together in confusion.

This was the king who fought against the Lydians when the day was turned to night in the battle, and who united under his dominion all of Asia (continent)Asia that is beyond the river Halys River (river), Turkey, Asia Halys. Collecting all his subjects, he marched against Nineveh (deserted settlement), Ninawa, Iraq, AsiaNinus, wanting to avenge his father and to destroy the city.