Ariobarzanes of Persis
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (April 2017) |
Ariobarzanes of Persis | |
---|---|
Native name | *Aryābr̥zaⁿs |
Died | 330 BC probably near Persepolis[1] |
Allegiance | Achaemenid Empire |
Years of service | 331 - 330 BC |
Rank | Satrap of Persis |
Battles/wars | Battle of Gaugamela Commanding the Persian Army at the Battle of the Persian Gates |
Relations | Father: Artabazus |
Ariobarzanes (
Life
The exact birth date and early life of Ariobarzanes is unknown. His sister was the ancient Persian noblewoman and warrior
Death
After the Battle in Gaugamela, Alexander the Great split his army and led his 14,000-strong force towards the Persian capital via the Persian Gates. There Ariobarzanes successfully ambushed Alexander the Great's army, inflicting heavy casualties. The Persian success at the Battle of the Persian Gate was short-lived though; after being held off for 30 days, Alexander the Great outflanked and destroyed the defenders. Some sources indicate that the Persians were betrayed by a captured tribal chief who showed the Greeks an alternate path that allowed them to outflank Ariobarzanes in a reversal of Thermopylae. Ariobarzanes managed to escape, but when he reached Persepolis, he was denied entrance to the city. The commander of the city's garrison had decided the outcome of the battle, and was convinced that Alexander was bound to the throne of the empire. Ariobarzanes made his last stand at the Persian Gates; and was likely killed by the advancing Macedonian army. Afterward, Alexander continued towards Persepolis, seizing the city and its treasury, and eventually looting the city months after its fall.
Alexander the Great replaced him with Phrasaortes as Hellenistic satrap of Persis.[3]
See also
References
- ^ "Ariobarzanes (2) - Livius".
- ^ Shahbazi, A. Sh. "ARIOBARZANES". Encyclopedia Iranica. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ISBN 9789004217553.
External links
- Ariobarzanes Archived 2013-09-23 at the Wayback Machine: An Article by Jona Lendering.
- Pharnabazus, The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition 2006.
- King Darius III: A Research Article on Darius-III Codomannus
- Gabae: The name of two places in Persia and Sogdiana.
- Persian Gates Archived 2009-04-18 at the Wayback Machine: Photos of the battlefield.
- Ariobarzanes of Persis by Nabil Rastani