In ancient times, the Assyrian Empire gained strength in the region of Mesopotamia and, from the second millennium BCE, became one of the great powers of the ancient world. The center of this empire, the city of Ashur, with its massive temples and palaces filled with reliefs, became a symbol of Assyrian dominance. Relying on advanced military might, including war chariots and professional archers, a dynamic trade-based economy, and advancements in art and architecture such as the palaces of Nineveh, this nation brought vast territories—from modern-day Iraq, northern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and parts of the Iranian plateau—under its control. The Assyrians were known for their brutality and violence, and their policies were often accompanied by plunder and destruction.
The power of the Assyrians was not limited to their military. They had an organized administrative system for dividing provinces and collecting taxes, which helped to stabilize their rule. This empire dominated large parts of the Near East for over five hundred years, but their method of governance was often marked by tyranny, plunder, and the forced exile of peoples, which led to deep-seated resentment. This oppression and cruelty sowed the seeds of rebellion and resistance in the hearts of the subjugated nations, especially on the Iranian plateau, setting the stage for major historical changes.
In the mountainous regions of the Zagros, groups of Aryan people known as the Medes lived as independent city-states. Each city, with its own culture, customs, and local gods like Mithra, functioned and was governed separately. This separation strengthened local identity but was a great weakness against foreign invasions. The Assyrians, with their organized military force, bronze swords, and sturdy shields, invaded these regions, subjugating the Median city-states one after another and imposing heavy taxes upon them.
The lack of coordination among the Median cities and the devastation caused by constant warfare made them vulnerable. Villages were plundered, people were taken into captivity, and fertile lands were set ablaze. This state of instability and insecurity had ruined the daily lives of the people. Lawlessness and injustice were rampant everywhere, and there was no single authority to address grievances and establish order. This chaos made the urgent need for a strong and just leader more apparent than ever.
Amidst this, a man named Deioces emerged from among the Median tribes. In his own village, Deioces had gained great fame for his fairness and justice in his judgments. Whenever a dispute arose among the people, they would first go to Deioces for a resolution, and he would help them with his wisdom and prudence. The fame of his justice spread so far that people from distant villages also came to him for judgment. This reputation and public trust made him a respected figure among the tribes.
With the rise of Deioces, the Medes began to think not only of internal order but also of liberation from Assyrian domination. As his influence grew, Deioces took on the role of a coordinator among the Median tribes and other surrounding peoples. He initiated negotiations with the king of Urartu to form a powerful alliance against Assyria. This was the first major, organized effort to challenge the hegemonic power of Assyria in the region, with Deioces at its helm.
However, this battle and alliance were not successful. On the battlefield, Urartu directly abandoned the coalition of allies, leaving them alone. As a result, the army of the Medes and their allies suffered a heavy defeat, and Sargon II, the king of Assyria, took brutal revenge on the rebels, shedding much blood. Deioces, due to his key role in coordinating this rebellion and leading the allies, was exiled to Hamath in modern-day Syria by order of Sargon II.
Deioces spent years in exile. During this time, he had the opportunity to become closely acquainted with the methods of governance, administrative organization, and power of the Assyrians. He observed the weaknesses and strengths of this great empire and learned from them. After the death of Sargon II, Deioces managed to negotiate with the next Assyrian king and, using his experiences and insight, paved the way for his return to his homeland. He returned and once again took the reins of the Median kingdom.
Deioces, after his return and re-acceptance of the kingship, established his capital in Ecbatana, a city whose name meant "place of assembly" or "gathering place," signifying the coming together of the Median tribes under a single banner. He ordered the construction of a strong fortress on the hills of this city. This fortress, with its high walls and watchtowers, became a center for military and state affairs and a symbol of the emerging power of the Medes. Deioces first focused on establishing order and law within his own territory and tried to reorganize the scattered Median tribes. He was not only a just judge but also an organizer and a lawgiver who, with his wisdom, laid the foundation for a central government on the Iranian plateau.