Queen Tomyris vs Cyrus the Great

530 BCE · Aral Havzası / Amu Derya · military

The Massagetae queen Tomyris inflicted a great defeat on Cyrus the Great of Persia; according to Herodotus, Cyrus died in this battle.

Tomyris cut off the head of Cyrus and cast it into a skin filled with blood: "Take your fill of blood, for of it you were never sated." It is one of the most dramatic images of a female ruler. Such is Herodotus's version of the death of Cyrus the Great (other sources differ).

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Frequently asked questions

What was Queen Tomyris vs Cyrus the Great?
The Massagetae queen Tomyris inflicted a great defeat on Cyrus the Great of Persia; according to Herodotus, Cyrus died in this battle.
When did Queen Tomyris vs Cyrus the Great happen?
530 BCE
Where did Queen Tomyris vs Cyrus the Great take place?
Aral Havzası / Amu Derya