"Did you know?
One of the most unexpected ways a historical battle was won is the Battle of Pelusium in 525 BCE, where the Persian King Cambyses II used cats to help secure his victory over the Egyptians.
According to historical accounts, including those by the Greek historian Herodotus, Cambyses II knew that the Egyptians revered cats and held them sacred, associating them with the goddess Bastet. Exploiting this cultural belief, Cambyses ordered his soldiers to capture and carry cats in front of them as they advanced towards the Egyptian forces. Some accounts even suggest that other sacred animals were used in this manner.
The Egyptians, fearing to harm the animals and incur divine wrath, hesitated to attack effectively. The sight of their sacred animals on the battlefield disrupted their morale and fighting spirit. Consequently, the Persians were able to break through the Egyptian lines and achieve a decisive victory. This clever psychological tactic, leveraging the Egyptians' religious beliefs, is a prime example of how unconventional strategies can lead to unexpected and successful outcomes in warfare."
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