While all over the world citizens disobey their rulers, the citizens ruled by Cyrus the Great are uniquely obedient. Why is he able to engender this kind of loyalty when no others seem to be able to?
The King's citizens have followed him into battle willingly, and because of this he has been able to win many battles and extend his empire far and wide. The author puts this down to the fact that Cyrus was raised by his maternal Grandfather, Astyages, the last great King of the Median Empire, the principle country of which was modern day Iran. The education that Cyrus received was in the Spartan tradition; he received extensive teaching in critical thinking, philosophy and Greek. He was also schooled in issues of the constitution.
As Cyrus gets older, he develops a tendency to scheme and plot to overthrow those who have helped him. He is a vessel to the Medes, an ancient Iranian people who live in Mesopotamia. Taking on the role of General in their Army, he is instrumental in helping them to defend themselves against the avaricious Babylonians, a small, provincial area fighting well above their weight category. Babylonia was being ruled by a tyrant, the son of a King who was far more benevolent than his offspring, and who had been greatly admired and respected. Cyrus begins to forge alliances with many of the smaller, neighboring nations including the Armenians. The Egyptian army also position themselves alongside the Babylonians, but most of their former allies have been convinced by Cyrus to stand alongside him in helping the Medeans.
Having successfully put together a large, multi-national army, Cyrus returns to Babylon, using the river to help his army move past the Babylonian forces, and conquering them on the night of a Festival as they all celebrate. He diverts the Euphrates River from its usual course, and it is this feat that creates the possibility of victory.
Cyrus builds an incredible Empire, but after his death, it collapses quickly. It is only his unique way of ruling his people, and the loyalty he inspires in his monarchy, that has enabled his Empire to grow and for this growth to be sustained during his life.
