XXIV.

THE PERSIAN CONQUEST 368-380

Patient acquiescence of Amasis in his position of tributary to Babylon, 368--Rise of the Persian power under Cyrus, and appeal made by Crœsus to Amasis, League of Egypt, Lydia, and Babylon, 369, 370--Precipitancy of Crœsus, 371--Fall of Babylon, 371--Later wars of Cyrus, 372--Preparations made against Egypt by Cambyses, 373, 374--Great battle of Pelusium, 375--Psamatik III, besieged in Memphis, 376--Fall of Memphis, and cruel treatment of the Egyptians by Cambyses, 377, 378--His iconoclasm checked by some considerations of policy, 379--Conciliatory measures of Darius Hystaspis, 379, 380.