People > Darius III

Darius III

Background

Darius III, also known as Darius Codomannus, was the last king of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia, ruling from 336 BCE until his defeat by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE. His reign marked the end of the Achaemenid dynasty and the beginning of a significant transformation in the ancient Near East. Darius III's reign, though marked by defeat and the collapse of his empire, remains a significant period in ancient history, symbolizing the transition from Persian to Hellenistic dominance in the ancient Near East.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Birth and Background: Darius III was born as Artashata and was a distant relative of the royal Achaemenid line. Before becoming king, he served as the satrap of Armenia.Accession: He ascended to the throne following the assassination of the previous king, Artaxerxes III, and the short, tumultuous reign of Artaxerxes IV. His rise to power was facilitated by the powerful eunuch Bagoas, who had poisoned Artaxerxes IV and initially supported Darius as a puppet ruler. However, Darius soon managed to eliminate Bagoas and assert his authority independently.

Reign and Challenges

Internal Strife: Darius III inherited an empire weakened by internal strife, corruption, and rebellion. The central authority was diminished, and the satraps (provincial governors) held significant autonomous power.

Confrontation with Alexander the Great: The most defining aspect of Darius III's reign was his confrontation with Alexander the Great. In 334 BCE, Alexander invaded Asia Minor, marking the beginning of the end for the Achaemenid Empire.

Major Battles with Alexander

Battle of Granicus (334 BCE): Darius did not personally lead his forces in this battle. The Persian army, commanded by regional satraps, was defeated by Alexander's forces, giving Alexander control over Asia Minor.

Battle of Issus (333 BCE): Darius III personally led a large army against Alexander. Despite his numerical superiority, the Persian forces were decisively defeated. Darius fled the battlefield, leaving his family behind, who were captured by Alexander.

Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE): This decisive battle is also known as the Battle of Arbela. Darius assembled a massive army to confront Alexander, hoping to halt his advance. Despite strategic preparations and numerical advantage, Darius's forces were overwhelmed by Alexander's tactical brilliance. Darius once again fled the battlefield, and this defeat effectively marked the end of the Persian Empire.

Downfall and Death

Flight and Betrayal: After the defeat at Gaugamela, Darius attempted to regroup and continue resistance. He fled to the eastern provinces, seeking to gather support. However, his efforts were in vain as his satraps and commanders increasingly saw his cause as hopeless. In 330 BCE, Darius III was betrayed by his own satrap, Bessus, who declared himself king (as Artaxerxes V). Darius was captured and imprisoned. Eventually, he was killed by Bessus and his supporters. Alexander later pursued Bessus, capturing and executing him for his betrayal.

Legacy

End of the Achaemenid Empire: Darius III's death marked the definitive end of the Achaemenid Empire, which had been the dominant power in the Near East for over two centuries.

Alexander's Empire: The fall of the Achaemenid Empire allowed Alexander the Great to establish a vast empire stretching from Greece to India, significantly shaping the course of ancient history.

Historiographical Depiction: Darius III is often portrayed in classical sources as a weak and indecisive ruler, particularly in contrast to Alexander the Great. However, it is essential to consider that these accounts were written from a perspective sympathetic to Alexander. Modern historians recognize the immense challenges Darius faced and the complexities of his reign.

Sources

1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, Volume 7

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