Daniel 8:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Following the conquest of the Chaldean or Assyrian realm by Darius the Mede, royal authority subsequently transitioned to the Persians under Cyrus the Persian, who was of both Midian and Persian descent due to an intermingling of lineage. Hence, the Prophet naturally favors the Medes over the Persians, and it is stated that the Ram is recognized as 'king of the Medes and Persians,' as the final Darius, known as the son of Arsames, reigned over both empires before being ousted by Alexander the Great.