After consolidating relations with his close Achaemenid relatives from the Ariaramnes branch, young Cyrus meticulously pondered the other Persian tribes; tribes that were each a part of the Persian nation and a potential force for his future empire. He knew that to build a stable state, he had to win the hearts and minds of all of them, not just the royal family's elite. In the social and educational gatherings held in Anshan, Cyrus found opportunities to interact with the children and grandchildren of these tribal leaders.
He paid more attention to the leaders and children of the more settled and noble tribes, such as the Pasargadians and Maraphians (although they were mentioned in Chapter 38, more details of Cyrus's interactions with them can be included here). The Maraphians, as one of the noblest tribes, likely held significant influence among the more traditional layers of society. Through games and childish discussions, Cyrus showed them that he was beyond an ordinary child and had ideas for the future. The Maspians, renowned for their trade and wealth, were economically important to Cyrus. He thought of ways to attract them through common interests and trade development.
Then, Cyrus's mind turned to the Pantialians and Deropicans. The Pantialians, as a predominantly nomadic and pastoral tribe, were accustomed to the harsh life of the mountains and plains. Their leader, Bahram, was a traditional and military man. Cyrus knew that to win the loyalty of such tribes, he had to rely on military power and order, but in a just manner that respected their way of life. He sought a way to utilize their military skills in his future army.
The Deropicans, who were said to live in the mountainous regions of the Zagros and had a hardy, semi-military lifestyle, were also among the tribes of interest to Cyrus. Their leader, Shahriar, was an influential magus (priest). Cyrus considered the importance of the religious class in these tribes and knew that to create cohesion, he had to respect their beliefs and customs, and even lead them towards a shared identity through his religious reforms, without provoking their fanaticism.
The Germanians and Daais were other nomadic and warlike tribes with whom Cyrus interacted through their children. The Germanians were known for their skill in ground warfare, and their leader, Qobad, was a man of the people. Cyrus saw that these tribes had immense potential for forming a strong infantry in his army. He pondered how to gain the support of Qobad and his people by improving their living conditions and ensuring justice. The Daais, as lightly armed cavalry, were also an important force for his future army.
In children's games, Cyrus brought these tribal children along with him. He meticulously paid attention to the characteristics of each of them, from bravery and cunning to simplicity and superstition. He knew that a stable empire is built not by eliminating differences, but by optimally utilizing them. Furthermore, he sought a way for all these tribes, with their unique characteristics, to be integrated into the larger structure of the Persian Empire and to move together towards a common goal.
These early interactions were more than just a game for Cyrus. They formed the cornerstone of his future diplomacy with various tribes. He was planning to create a unified army and an integrated administrative system that could harness all these talents and guide them towards the glory and grandeur of Parsa. These seeds of friendship, now planted in the hearts of these children, would one day grow into sturdy trees of loyalty and cooperation, forming the main pillars of his thousand-year empire.