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The Mysterious Death of Cyrus the Great
Jun 1, 2025
How Did Cyrus the Great Die?
Overview
Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, died around 530 BCE.
His death, like his birth, is surrounded by myths and various accounts from antiquity.
Three primary Greek authors give different accounts: Herodotus, Ctesias, and Xenophon.
Persian evidence, such as the Behistun inscription and Cyrus’ tomb in Pasargadae, offers additional insights.
Accounts of Cyrus' Death
Herodotus
Reports Cyrus died in a battle against nomadic Iranian tribes in eastern Iran.
Specifically, he describes a battle with the Massagetae, led by Queen Tomyris.
Tomyris defeats Cyrus, and in a dramatic finale, she defiles his body.
Raises geographical and logical questions, particularly how Cyrus’ body returned to Pasargadae.
Ctesias
Claims Cyrus died from a wound in a battle against the Massagetae, specifically the Derbices.
Persians were victorious, and Cyrus named his son Cambyses as a successor before dying.
This account aligns with Persian evidence and suggests Cyrus' body was taken to Persia by Cambyses.
Xenophon
Offers a peaceful narrative where Cyrus dies naturally at home.
No mention of battles, focuses on Cyrus’ final words and wisdom.
Although romantic and epic, it does not contradict Persian evidence directly.
Persian Evidence
The Tomb at Pasargadae
Located in southwest Iran, far from where Cyrus' last battle is supposed to have occurred.
Greek sources and inscriptions near the monument support its authenticity as Cyrus' tomb.
The Behistun Inscription
Details the territories under Persian rule, including the eastern Scythians.
Suggests these tribes were annexed by Cyrus, not his successor Cambyses.
Offers evidence of Cyrus’ successful campaigns in the east.
Re-evaluation of Greek Accounts
Epic and romantic elements are prevalent in all accounts.
Ctesias’ account aligns best with Persian evidence, while Xenophon’s is plausible but less supported.
Herodotus’ version, despite its popularity, is questioned due to inconsistencies.
Conclusion
Historical sources largely agree that Cyrus died during a campaign in the east.
Ctesias’ narrative is most consistent with Persian records and evidence.
The exact circumstances remain debated, influenced by myth and historical retellings.
Further Reading
Various academic articles and books explore Cyrus’ life and death, as well as the historical context of the Achaemenid Empire.
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View note source
https://www.asor.org/anetoday/2024/04/cyrus-the-great