If I use Cleave on a unit to conquer an empty battlefield, do I still count as the attacker if they use spells on me?

Ruling: No, you do not count as the attacker. Attackers are only designated in combat, which requires two players to have units on the battlefield.

Nuances:

• Conquering an empty battlefield does not create a combat situation
• The attacker/defender designation only exists when both players have units present