Megabyzus
A prominent Achaemenid Persian general active in the 5th century BC.
Quick Facts: Who was Megabyzus?
- Subject:
- Megabyzus
- Known for:
- A prominent Achaemenid Persian general active in the 5th century BC.
- Born:
- 516 BC
- Died:
- 401 BC
- Century / Era:
- -516s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Megabyzus (Ancient Greek: Μεγάβυζος, from Old Persian: 𐎲𐎥𐎲𐎢𐎧𐏁, romanized: Bagabuxšaʰ) was an Achaemenid Persian general, son of Zopyrus, satrap of Babylonia, and grandson of Megabyzus I, one of the seven conspirators who had put Darius I on the throne. His father was killed when the satrapy rebelled in 484 BCE, and Megabyzus led the forces that recaptured the city, after which the statue of the god Marduk was destroyed to prevent future revolts. Megabyzus subsequently took part in the Second Persian invasion of Greece (480–479 BCE). Herodotus claims that he refused to act on orders to pillage Delphi, but it is doubtful such orders were ever given. Ctesias describes how Amytis, wife of Megabyzus and daughter of Xerxes, was accused of adultery.
Career & Major Achievements
As such, Megabyzus took part in the conspiracy of Artabanus to assassinate the emperor, but betrayed him before he could kill the new emperor Artaxerxes, as well. In a battle, Artabanus' sons were killed and Megabyzus was wounded, but Amytis interceded on his behalf and he was cured. After this Megabyzus became satrap of Syria. Together with Artabazus, satrap of Phrygia, he had command of the Persian armies sent to put down the revolt of Inarus in Egypt. They arrived in 456 BCE, and within two years had put down the revolt, capturing Inarus and various Athenians supporting him.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
When Xerxes I was assassinated in 465 BCE, he was succeeded by his son Artaxerxes I, but several parts of the Achaemenid empire soon revolted, foremost of which were Bactria and Egypt. The Egyptian Inarus defeated the Persian satrap of Egypt Achaemenes, a brother of Artaxerxes, and took control of Lower Egypt. He contacted the Greeks, who were also officially still at war with Persia, and in 460 BCE, Athens sent an expeditionary force of 200 ships and 6000 heavy infantry to support Inarus. The Egyptian and Athenian troops defeated the local Persian troops of Egypt, and captured the city of Memphis, except for the Persian citadel which they besieged for several years. The Athenians and Egyptians had settled down to besiege the local Persian troops in Egypt, at the White Castle.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Megabyzus
True or False: “Megabyzus was always loyal to the ruling Achaemenid dynasty throughout his entire career.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): He eventually revolted against the king after Amestris had executed captives from the Egyptian revolt, violating a promise he had made.
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- -516 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -516
- -401 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -401
Frequently Asked Questions about Megabyzus
Who was Megabyzus and what are their primary contributions?
A prominent Achaemenid Persian general active in the 5th century BC. Origins & Early Life: Megabyzus (Ancient Greek: Μεγάβυζος, from Old Persian: 𐎲𐎥𐎲𐎢𐎧𐏁, romanized: Bagabuxšaʰ) was an Achaemenid Persian general, son of Zopyrus, satrap of Babylonia, and grandson of Megabyzus I, one of the seven conspirators who had put Darius I on the throne. His father was killed when the satrapy rebelled in 484 BCE, and Megabyzus led the forces that recaptured the city, after which the statue of the god Marduk was destroyed to prevent future revolts. Megabyzus subsequently took part in the Second Persian invasion of Greece (480–479 BCE). Herodotus claims that he refused to act on orders to pillage Delphi, but it is doubtful such orders were ever given. Ctesias describes how Amytis, wife of Megabyzus and daughter of Xerxes, was accused of adultery.
When was Megabyzus born and during which historical era did they live?
Megabyzus was born on -516 and passed away on -401. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the -516 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Megabyzus?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia