Deioces

Deioces unified the Median tribes and established the first Median kingdom, with its capital at Ecbatana (modern Hamadan). He is credited with creating a centralized state, building a palace, and instituting a legal code.

Deioces instituted a system of justice, appointing judges and spies to enforce laws and suppress crime. This reform aimed to create order among the previously lawless Median tribes, consolidating his authority.

Deioces ordered the construction of the city of Ecbatana as his capital. The city was built with concentric walls, each painted a different color, and housed the royal palace and treasury, symbolizing Median power.