The close connection of the Medes, in origin and institutions, with the
Persians, is shown in the famous expression, “The law of the Medes and
Persians, which altereth not.” The people migrated into Media at an
early period, from the original abode of the Aryan race. By degrees they
overcame the Scythian races whom they found in possession of the land.
The Medes were a warlike race, strong in cavalry and archers. Their
language was a dialect of the Zend, the ancient tongue of Persia, and
their religion was the Magian.
Probably about 800 B. C. the Medes had established themselves in their
new home. About 710 B. C., Sargon, king of Assyria, conquered some part
of Media, and made settlements of Israelites taken captive by him from
the cities of Samaria; but the Assyrians could never conquer the Medes,
who at last grew into a powerful kingdom under native princes.