Cambyses II, the False Smerdis, and the Rise of Darius I | Achaemenid Empire History Ep. 2

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Delve into the complex and controversial reign of Cambyses II (530-522 BCE), the second King of Kings of the Achaemenid Persian Empire and son of the legendary Cyrus the Great. This video explores Cambyses's tumultuous life, from his early role as "King of Babylon" under his father to his ambitious and ultimately fateful conquest of Egypt. We examine the key events of his reign, including the strategic alliances he forged with figures like Polycratees of Samos and the crucial defection of Phanees of Halicarnassus, a Greek general in Egyptian service. The dramatic events leading to the pivotal Battle of Pelusium in 525 BCE are recounted, where Cambyses defeated Pharaoh Psamtik III, leading to the annexation of Egypt as a Persian satrapy.

We analyze the conflicting historical accounts of Cambyses's character and actions. Was he the cruel, impious tyrant depicted by Greek and Egyptian sources (Herodotus, Polyaenus), driven mad by his own hubris and sacrilege, such as the alleged killing of the sacred Apis bull? Or was he a more nuanced ruler, attempting to integrate Egypt into the empire by adopting Egyptian customs and titles, even claiming descent from an Egyptian princess (Nitétis)? The historical evidence supporting Cambyses’s psychological tactics – specifically the disputed claim that he used sacred cats to gain victory at the Battle of Pelusium – is examined.

The video also investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding Cambyses's death in 522 BCE, exploring the various accounts – accidental death, suicide, or assassination – and the subsequent power vacuum that led to a major succession crisis. We'll untangle the complex story of the rebellion led by a man claiming to be Cambyses's brother, Bardiya (known as Smerdis in Greek sources), and the counter-claims that this "Bardiya" was actually an imposter, a Median magus named Gaumata. The eight-month reign of Gaumata is discussed, including his popular reforms.

Finally, we cover the rise of Darius I, a member of a collateral branch of the Achaemenid royal family, who, along with six Persian nobles (including Otánehs and his daughter Phaedyme), orchestrated a coup to overthrow Gaumata. We'll analyze Darius's claims to legitimacy, as documented in the Behistun Inscription (commissioned between 522 and 486 BC), and the legendary (and possibly fabricated) story of how he became king through a contest involving his horse. Learn how this pivotal period shaped the future of the vast Persian Empire.

📜 Topics Covered:
The reign and ambitions of Cambyses II
The conquest of Egypt by Cambyses II
The mystery of the False Smerdis (Bardiya, Gaumata) – who was he?
The rise of Darius I and the coup that reshaped Persia

⌛ Timeline:
🪶 530 BCE
Death of Cyrus the Great.
Cambyses II becomes King of Kings of the Persian Empire.

🪶 Before 530 BCE
Cambyses served as governor of Babylonia, holding the title "King of Babylon, King of the Lands."

🪶 Between 530 and 525 BCE
The Egyptian physician's advice, and the subsequent deception involving Nitetis, lead to escalating tensions between Cambyses and Egypt.
Phanes of Halicarnassus defects from Egypt to Persia.
Amasis dies six months before Cambyses’s forces reached Egypt. Psamtik III is the new Pharaoh

🪶 525 BCE
The Battle of Pelusium. Cambyses defeats Psamtik III and conquers Egypt.
Heliopolis and Memphis fall to the Persians.
Cambyses annexes Egypt and adopts Egyptian royal titles.

🪶 Between 525 and 522 BCE
Cambyses plans expeditions to Carthage, Ethiopia, and the Siwa Oasis, all of which fail.
Cambyses's reputation declines, and he becomes increasingly paranoid and tyrannical.
The Apis bull incident (killing or attempted killing) supposedly occurs.

🪶 522 BCE
Cambyses receives news of a rebellion in Media led by Gaumata (or the real Bardiya).
Cambyses dies under mysterious circumstances in or near Babylon.
Gaumata rules for approximately eight months.
Darius I, with the help of six Persian nobles, overthrows and kills Gaumata.
Darius I declares himself King of Kings.

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