In ancient times, the Assyrian Empire rose to power in Mesopotamia, becoming one of the great powers of the ancient world from the second millennium BCE. Its center, the city of Assur, with its massive temples and palaces full of bas-reliefs, became a symbol of Assyrian dominance. This people, relying on advanced militarism including war chariots and professional archers, a dynamic economy based on trade, and advancements in art and architecture like the palaces of Nineveh, brought vast territories of modern-day Iraq, northern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and parts of the Iranian Plateau under their control. The Assyrians were known for their savagery and violence, and their policies often involved looting and destruction.
The power of the Assyrians was not limited to their military might alone; they had a regular administrative system for dividing provinces and collecting taxes, which helped stabilize their rule. This empire dominated vast areas of the Near East for over five hundred years, but their method of governance often involved tyranny, plunder, and forced deportations of people, leading to deep resentments. This oppression and cruelty sowed the seeds of rebellion and resistance in the hearts of the subjugated nations, particularly in the Iranian Plateau, paving the way for great historical changes.
In the mountainous regions of the Zagros, groups of Aryan people called Medes lived as independent city-states. Each city progressed with its own culture, customs, and local gods like Mithra, and was administered separately. This separation strengthened local identity but was a great weakness against foreign attacks. The Assyrians, with their organized military force, bronze swords, and strong shields, raided these areas, subjugating Median city-states one after another and imposing heavy taxes on them.
The lack of coordination between the Median cities and the destruction caused by continuous wars made them vulnerable. Villages were plundered, people were taken captive, and fertile lands were burned. This state of instability and insecurity had ruined the daily lives of the people. Everywhere, lawlessness and oppression prevailed, and there was no single authority to address grievances and establish order. This chaos increasingly highlighted the urgent need for a strong and just leader.
Amidst this, a man named Deioces emerged from among the Median tribes. Deioces had gained widespread fame in his village due to his fairness and justice in his judgments. Whenever a dispute arose among the people, they would first go to Deioces for resolution, and he would help them with his wisdom and insight. His reputation for justice spread so far that people from distant villages also came to him for arbitration. This public renown and trust transformed him into a respected figure among the tribes.
With the emergence of Deioces, the Medes began to think not only of internal order but also of liberation from Assyrian rule. Deioces, increasing his influence, took on the role of coordinator among the Median tribes and other surrounding peoples. He began negotiations with the king of Urartu to form a powerful alliance against Assyria. This was the first major and organized attempt to counter Assyrian hegemony in the region, led by Deioces.
However, this battle and alliance were not successful. On the battlefield, Urartu directly abandoned the allied forces, leaving their allies alone. As a result, the Median army and their allies suffered a heavy defeat, and Sargon II, the king of Assyria, took ruthless 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 period, he had the opportunity to become intimately familiar with Assyrian methods of governance, administrative organization, and power. He observed and learned from the weaknesses and strengths of this vast empire. After the death of Sargon II, Deioces engaged with the next Assyrian king and, using his experience and insights, paved the way for his return to his homeland. He returned and re-assumed the reins of the Median kingdom.
Upon his return and re-acceptance of the kingship, Deioces established his capital in Ecbatana, a city whose name meant "place of assembly" or "gathering place," signifying the assembly of Median clans 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 governmental affairs and a symbol of the Medes' burgeoning power. Deioces primarily focused on establishing law and order within his territory and aimed to reorganize the scattered Median tribes. He was not only a just judge but also an organizer and lawgiver who, with his wisdom, laid the foundation for a central government on the Iranian plateau.