He attempted to use these set of events to expand his borders upon the eastern frontier of Lydia, by making an alliance with Chaldea, Egypt and several Greek city-states, including Sparta.

[5] Croesus began the campaign with an invasion of Cappadocia, crossing the Halys and capturing Pteria,[6] then capital of the district and formidable as a fortress.

Fierce urban combat followed, during which Cyrus and Croesus both personally led teams of troops into the streets of the abandoned city.

[10] The retreat of Croesus was a strategic decision to suspend operations using winter to his advantage, awaiting the arrival of reinforcements from his allies the Babylonians, the Egyptians and particularly the Spartans.

[4][11] This would prove to be a mistake, as Cyrus was able to quickly follow in his enemy's wake while the main Persian army (still mustering) assembled.