# Cyrus the Younger

> Achaemenid prince, satrap of Lydia from 408 to 401 BC

**Wikidata**: [Q297960](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q297960)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_the_Younger)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cyrus-the-younger

## Summary
Cyrus the Younger was an Achaemenid prince and military officer who served as the satrap (governor) of Lydia from 408 to 401 BC. He is best known for his rebellion against his brother, King Artaxerxes II, which culminated in the Battle of Cunaxa and the famous retreat of the Ten Thousand Greek mercenaries, an event immortalized in Xenophon's *Anabasis*.

## Biography
- **Born**: Circa 500 BC (exact date unknown)
- **Nationality**: Persian (Achaemenid Empire)
- **Occupation**: Military officer, Satrap of Lydia
- **Known for**: Leading a rebellion against his brother Artaxerxes II and employing Greek mercenaries in his campaign
- **Employer(s)**: Achaemenid Empire (as satrap of Lydia)
- **Field(s)**: Military leadership, governance

## Contributions
Cyrus the Younger's most significant contribution was his military campaign against his brother, Artaxerxes II, which led to the mobilization of a large army, including the famous Ten Thousand Greek mercenaries. Though his rebellion ultimately failed at the Battle of Cunaxa (401 BC), the subsequent retreat of the Greek forces, chronicled by Xenophon in the *Anabasis*, became a seminal account of military strategy and resilience. His actions also highlighted the growing influence of Greek mercenaries in Persian politics.

## FAQs
**Who was Cyrus the Younger?**
Cyrus the Younger was a Persian prince of the Achaemenid Empire, serving as the satrap of Lydia from 408 to 401 BC. He is most famous for his failed rebellion against his brother, King Artaxerxes II, and his employment of Greek mercenaries, whose retreat was later documented in Xenophon’s *Anabasis*.

**What was Cyrus the Younger’s role in the Achaemenid Empire?**
As the satrap of Lydia, Cyrus governed a key province of the Achaemenid Empire, overseeing its administration and military affairs. His rebellion against Artaxerxes II marked a significant internal conflict within the empire.

**Why is Cyrus the Younger historically significant?**
His rebellion and the subsequent retreat of the Ten Thousand Greek mercenaries became a pivotal moment in ancient military history, showcasing the tactical prowess of Greek forces and influencing later military thought.

**What happened at the Battle of Cunaxa?**
The Battle of Cunaxa (401 BC) was the climax of Cyrus’s rebellion, where his forces, including Greek mercenaries, clashed with Artaxerxes II’s army. Though Cyrus was killed in the battle, the Greek mercenaries successfully retreated, an event later recorded by Xenophon.

## Why They Matter
Cyrus the Younger’s rebellion and the retreat of the Ten Thousand had a lasting impact on both Persian and Greek history. His use of Greek mercenaries demonstrated the military capabilities of Greek forces, which later influenced Persian military strategies. The *Anabasis*, inspired by his campaign, became a foundational text in military literature, studied for centuries for its insights into leadership and tactics.

## Notable For
- Leading a major rebellion against King Artaxerxes II of the Achaemenid Empire.
- Serving as the satrap of Lydia from 408 to 401 BC.
- Employing the Ten Thousand Greek mercenaries, whose retreat was documented in Xenophon’s *Anabasis*.
- Dying at the Battle of Cunaxa (401 BC), a pivotal conflict in Achaemenid history.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Cyrus the Younger was born around 500 BC into the Achaemenid royal family, the ruling dynasty of the Persian Empire. As a prince, he held significant influence within the empire, particularly after being appointed satrap of Lydia, a strategically important province in western Anatolia.

### Governorship of Lydia
From 408 to 401 BC, Cyrus served as the satrap of Lydia, a role that granted him considerable military and administrative power. His governorship was marked by efforts to consolidate his influence, including the recruitment of Greek mercenaries, who would later play a crucial role in his rebellion.

### Rebellion Against Artaxerxes II
Cyrus’s ambition to seize the Persian throne led him to challenge his brother, King Artaxerxes II. In 401 BC, he assembled a large army, including the Ten Thousand Greek mercenaries, and marched toward Babylon. The campaign culminated in the Battle of Cunaxa, where Cyrus was killed, but the Greek forces managed a legendary retreat.

### Legacy and Historical Impact
Though his rebellion failed, Cyrus the Younger’s actions had far-reaching consequences. The retreat of the Ten Thousand, documented by Xenophon, became a cornerstone of military literature, illustrating the resilience and tactical ingenuity of Greek forces. His campaign also exposed vulnerabilities within the Achaemenid Empire, influencing later conflicts between Persia and Greece.

## References

1. Source
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
5. Enciclopedia Treccani
6. Dizionario di Storia