The Achaemenid Empire with its centralized political and administrative system, included territories from the Indus River in India to the Nile River in Egypt and from Libya to Central Asia. These areas were divided into different satrapies and were administered under the central government. One of these states was the land of the Cadusians in the southwestern region of the Caspian Sea.

The southwestern margin of the Caspian Sea had a special role and position in the political developments of the Achaemenid period due to its geopolitical location, as well as having impassable roads and dense forests that acted as natural barriers. Due to their martial skills in the rocky areas and special skill in using the bow, the Cadusians were efficient in the battles. Therefore, based on these skills and their geographical location, they could be a cause of trouble for them during the period of "political crisis" with rebellion or lack of support for the Achaemenids. Even during the stay of Ctesias in the Achaemenid court, a battle took place between the Achaemenids and the Cadusians, which was not successful for the Achaemenids, as some have doubted about their affiliation with the Achaemenids.



In this research, based on ancient sources and using the method of historical research and relying on the geographical location and martial skills of the Caduceus, an attempt has been made to deal with the issue of independence or dependence of the Caduceus to the Achaemenid kingdom.