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.