Book SummaryMakers of History, by Jacob Abbott

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Makers of History

Cyrus began his rise to power at a young age.

This section of the narrative traces Cyrus's extraordinary rise, outlining his journey from his formative years to his ultimate rule over the amalgamated Medo-Persian Empire. Cyrus ascended to prominence via a sequence of occurrences that seemed almost mythical, augmented by his natural leadership skills.

The formative years and development of Cyrus

Abbott highlights the profound transformation in the life of Cyrus, mapping his descent from a distinguished family to the pivotal years spent in the care of a herdsman. This unusual juxtaposition of circumstances shapes Cyrus's character and sets the stage for his future exploits and ambitions.

Cyrus, who came from a distinguished lineage, was brought up by a herdsman.

Imagine a king tormented by the ominous belief that his reign would eventually be usurped by his grandson. The narrative opens with Abbott introducing Astyages, the ruler of Media, and his grandson, Cyrus. Driven by this premonition, Astyages orders the infant Cyrus to be killed. Harpagus, the king's officer, tasked with this dreadful duty, wavered, reluctant to personally execute the order, and thus he delegated the responsibility to a herdsman named Mitridates, instructing him to abandon the infant to the mercy of nature.

Spaco, the wife of the herdsman, intervenes with a well-crafted plan to protect Cyrus. She proposed swapping her lifeless child with the one that was still alive. Mitridates consents following considerable contemplation. Cyrus, now attired in simple garments instead of his royal vestments, was placed under the care of Spaco, while her recently deceased child was adorned in the opulent garments of Cyrus and left in the desolate uplands. The deception succeeded in convincing the royal messenger, resulting in Cyrus being raised by a herdsman, oblivious to his true royal lineage.

Context

• The fear of a prophecy or omen leading to drastic actions by rulers is a common theme in ancient literature, reflecting the belief in fate and the influence of divine will on human affairs.
• Astyages was the last king of the Median Empire, which was located in what is now northwestern Iran. His reign is traditionally dated from 585 to 550 BCE.
• The period was marked by frequent power struggles and coups, making the fear of being overthrown a common concern for monarchs.
• By delegating the task to Mitridates, Harpagus attempted to distance himself from the direct act of infanticide, possibly to avoid personal guilt or future blame if the plan were discovered.
• The decision to protect Cyrus involves complex moral choices. It reflects the ethical challenges faced by individuals when confronted with orders from authority that conflict with personal morals.
• The deception involving the exchange of garments underscores the importance of clothing as a symbol of status and identity in ancient societies.
• Stories of royal children being hidden or saved from death are common in history and mythology, possibly providing Mitridates with a sense of hope or justification for his actions.
• Spaco's intervention highlights the often-overlooked role of women in historical narratives. Her clever plan and maternal instincts were pivotal in saving Cyrus, showcasing the influence women could wield behind the scenes.
• The practice of exposing unwanted infants was not uncommon in ancient cultures. It was often seen as leaving the child's fate to the gods, which could absolve those involved from direct guilt.
• In ancient royal courts, messengers were trusted officials responsible for conveying important information and verifying the execution of royal orders. Their role was crucial in maintaining the king's authority and ensuring that his commands were followed precisely.
• The motif of a hidden royal identity creates dramatic tension and intrigue in storytelling, as it sets the stage for a revelation and transformation that impacts the character's destiny and the world around them.

Cyrus demonstrated leadership and intelligence from a young age.

Abbott emphasizes how Cyrus demonstrates natural leadership qualities, despite his humble surroundings. These inherent traits foreshadow his future greatness. As a young boy playing with other children, Cyrus naturally assumes a position of command. Cyrus reprimanded the son of the noble for not following the instructions provided in the course of a game, leading to an official complaint being lodged with Astyages.

When called to appear before the monarch, Cyrus justifies his conduct with an impressive exhibition of bravery and logic. This incident not only highlights Cyrus's natural aptitude for leadership but also signifies a crucial juncture at which Astyages is taken aback to learn that Cyrus had indeed lived through his earlier ordeal.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer to referee at local sports events to develop an appreciation for the importance of rules and the consequences of not following them. This hands-on experience will help you understand the challenges of enforcing rules and the impact of non-compliance on the game and its participants.
• Create a role-play scenario with friends or family where you must defend a decision or action you've taken. This exercise will not only help you practice justifying your actions in a safe environment but also receive immediate feedback. You can then refine your approach to ensure that...

Makers of History Summary Cyrus extended the dominion of Persia through his victorious military expeditions.

This section explores the substantial military triumphs achieved while Cyrus was at the helm, underscoring his remarkable strategic intelligence and skill in combat. The narrative presented by Abbott emphasizes two crucial triumphs: the toppling of Croesus's prosperous Lydian empire and the successful siege of the mighty city of Babylon.

Cyrus triumphed against Lydia and its sovereign, Croesus.

Abbott highlights the fleeting aspect of physical riches by examining the life events of Croesus. Croesus, famed for his immense wealth, ultimately suffers a decline due to the actions taken by Cyrus, highlighting the instability of wealth and power.

Croesus gained widespread recognition for his immense wealth and societal status.

As Cyrus strengthens his dominion in the Eastern regions, Abbott's narrative turns to Croesus, who rules over Lydia. He depicts Croesus as a sovereign whose vast wealth was derived from the gold-rich deposits found along the banks of the Pactolus River. Croesus's kingdom encompassed numerous islands adjacent to the Aegean Sea, and his court was distinguished by its lavish splendor.

However, Abbott subtly foreshadows future events by referencing the...

Makers of History Summary Cyrus's existence was deeply shaped by predictions, celestial direction, and the participation of gods.

This section of the text delves into the significant impact that faith in otherworldly forces had on shaping the fate of Cyrus, highlighting the influence that the cryptic nature of prophecies had on the choices of people.

Cyrus sought guidance from the Delphic oracle.

The Delphic oracle played a pivotal role in Croesus's choice to embark on a disastrous military campaign targeting Cyrus. Abbott demonstrates how the ambiguous pronouncements from the oracle can be interpreted in multiple ways to coincide with desired outcomes, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.

The oracle's enigmatic predictions

Prior to launching his campaign, Croesus pursued divine guidance through an inquiry with the famed Delphic oracle. Abbott describes how Croesus assessed the credibility of various oracles and concluded that the Delphic oracle surpassed the others in reliability, leading him to bestow it with lavish gifts in hopes of receiving a favorable prophecy. Upon crossing the Halys River, it was predicted that a mighty empire would collapse, and Croesus was advised to forge alliances with the most powerful Greek city-states.

However, Abbott emphasizes the inherent...

Makers of History Summary Cyrus interacted with numerous historical personalities.

This section explores the complex nature of Cyrus's character through his engagements with notable figures from history, underscoring his relationships with individuals across diverse circumstances and social standings.

Cyrus's interactions with the Jewish populace

Abbott connects the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus to the liberation of the Jewish people, emphasizing a critical juncture in biblical history and illuminating the unique aspects of his governance.

Jeremiah's warnings and the Jewish captivity in Babylon

Abbott begins his examination by describing the era in which the Jews found themselves under Babylonian captivity. The prophet Jeremiah predicted the impending calamity that the Jewish people would face due to their wrongdoings, describing the series of incursions by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces that would ultimately result in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, followed by the exile of many Jews.

During their captivity, this sentiment was widely recognized within the Jewish community. The edict issued by Cyrus enabled the people to go back to their native land, where they could restore their customary spiritual rituals.

**Practical...

Makers of History Summary The account of Cyrus by Xenophon delves into the complexities of interpreting historical documents.

This section of the text encourages readers to contemplate the intricacies of deciphering historical occurrences, blending fact with storytelling, and the challenges of reconstructing past events, while emphasizing the contrasting accounts provided by two ancient historians.

The differing methodologies employed by Herodotus and Xenophon.

Abbott emphasizes the distinctive narrative techniques that Herodotus and Xenophon utilized to recount the life of Cyrus. Herodotus emphasizes factual precision in his detailed narratives, whereas Xenophon uses a narrative style that is both dramatic and romantic, intending to impart moral teachings and highlight exemplary virtues.

Herodotus's emphasis on factual reporting stands in contrast to Xenophon's preference for a storytelling approach.

Abbott portrays Herodotus as a meticulous historian, dedicated to ensuring the accuracy of the events he described and the settings in which they took place. Herodotus gained recognition for his ability to embellish his stories to engage his listeners while remaining dedicated to accurately reporting historical events. Xenophon's narrative technique was enthralling, weaving tales that not...

Makers of History Summary The concluding period and ultimate demise of Cyrus.

This part of the narrative details the final episodes of Cyrus's life, encompassing his ill-fated military campaign against the Massagatae, the provisions he established for those who would follow him, and his untimely death at the hands of Queen Tomyris.

Cyrus extended his dominion into the northern regions.

Abbott depicts the final military endeavor of Cyrus as a significant departure from his initial victories. An unyielding ambition to expand led to a venture into the Arctic, which ultimately resulted in a devastating defeat and a severe conclusion. The story warns of the unpredictable twists of fate and the perils associated with unchecked ambition.

The Massagetae were led by Queen Tomyris.

Cyrus's leadership resulted in the considerable expansion of the domain, drawing attention to the Massagatae, a nomadic tribe residing beyond the Araxes River. Queen Tomyris, the formidable sovereign of the Massagatae, represents a significant impediment to the ambitions of Cyrus.

Abbott portrays Tomyris as a steadfast adversary, completely resistant to Cyrus's efforts to merge their kingdoms by proposing matrimony. Her act of defiance set the stage for an unavoidable...