The Medes were an ancient Iranian people who lived in the northwestern part of present-day Iran. They played a significant role in the history of the region during the first millennium BCE. The Medes established a powerful kingdom that contributed to the downfall of the Assyrian Empire and laid the groundwork for the rise of the Persian Empire. The Medes are often credited with creating one of the first organized states in the area, known as the Median Empire. Their society was characterized by a feudal system, and they were known for their skilled cavalry. The Medes eventually merged with the Persians, leading to the formation of a larger empire under leaders like Cyrus the Great.