Battle of the Persian Border

The Battle of the Persian Border was the second encounter between the forces of Media and Persia. Though not a decisive victory for Persia, it signaled the diminishing power of Media in southwest Asia. It was the first battle Cambyses I had fought in, and the first which he had fought with his son, Cyrus the Great. The first major battle, which lasted two days, was an attempt to bring freedom to Persia. It also prompted the Persians to retire south and fight a third battle.

It was narrated by Nicolaus of Damascus, who also mentioned the Battle of Hyrba, but Herodotus does not. Most historians on the battle consider Herodotus to be saying only the first and last battles in the war, which is partly based on the description of his two battles. This became the first major battle between the two powers at the border. Cyrus managed to escape the enemy without retreating, thus ending the battle and prolonging the struggle without a complete victory for Astyages, the king of the Medes. The next battle, the Battle of Pasargadae, became the last stand for the Persians, as their very existence relied on the outcome.