# Cyrus — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Cyrus in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Founder of the Persian Empire, used as an example of virtuous princely conduct.

## In the story

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xii)

Referenced in the advice of Croesus regarding whether to invade the Massagetae or await them at home.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xiii)

Xenophon's biography of Cyrus is used to illustrate that deceit is necessary for great achievements.

### [How one humane act availed more with the men of Falerii, than all the might of the Roman arms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xx)

Persian king praised by Xenophon for his kindness and graciousness, which brought him honors and victories.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxii)

Referenced by Xenophon as a model of affability and kindness, akin to Valerius's approach.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxix)

Cyrus is mentioned in the context of Xenophon's account, where he likens a military expedition to a hunting party.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/cyrus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters