Artayctes

Artayctes was a Persian satrap who is known for his rebellion against the Achaemenid Empire in the late 5th century BC. His reign is believed to have occurred during the reign of Darius II, and he was possibly a member of the Kyrexi family.

There are two main sources of information about Artayctes: the third book of Diodorus Siculus and a passage from the Persian historian Ctesias. According to Diodorus, Artayctes was appointed as the satrap of Helicussus, a region in northern Greece, by the Persian king. Artayctes established close relationships with local Greek leaders and traders, which he used to accumulate wealth and influence.

As satrap, Artayctes carried out numerous irregularities, which eventually led to his rebellion against Darius II. He established an alliance with the Thracians and the Greeks, with the goal of freeing the area from Persian rule. Artayctes and his allies even temporarily gained control of the surrounding territories.

However, the rebellion was ultimately put down by the Persians, and Artayctes was executed. According to Ctesias, Artayctes was crucified along with his daughters as punishment for his treachery. The details of his exact fate are unclear, but it is generally agreed that his rebellion marked the end of the Persian ambitions in northern Greece during this period.

Artayctes' rebellion highlights the widespread discontent and uprisings that plagued the Achaemenid Empire during the late 5th century BC. His actions demonstrate the increasing dissatisfaction with Persian rule among local leaders and populations.