Cambyses II, the second king of the Achaemenid Empire, ruled from 529 to 522 BCE. He is a controversial figure, often portrayed as a ruthless and bloodthirsty conqueror, but also as a patron of arts and sciences. His reign was marked by both expansionist conquests and internal rebellions, leaving behind a complex and often contradictory legacy.
Rise to Power and Early Reign
Cambyses was the son of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. He ascended to the throne in 529 BCE following the death of his father during a campaign against the Massagetae nomads in Central Asia. Cyrus' death was a major setback for the empire, but Cambyses quickly rallied his forces and consolidated control.
Expansionist Conquests and the Egyptian Campaign
Cambyses' reign was characterized by a series of ambitious expansionist campaigns. He sought to expand the empire's territory to its greatest extent, conquering Egypt, Nubia, Libya, and parts of the Indus Valley. His conquest of Egypt was particularly significant, as it marked the first time that a non-Egyptian ruler had successfully conquered the land of the pharaohs.
The Egyptian Campaign and Cambyses' Brutality
Cambyses' conquest of Egypt was not without controversy. He is said to have committed acts of vandalism and sacrilege, including profaning the tomb of the pharaoh Psammetichus II and desecrating the sacred Apis bull. These actions alienated the Egyptian population and contributed to a rebellion against his rule.
Insurrections and Cambyses' Mental State
Cambyses' reign was further challenged by rebellions in other parts of the empire, including Babylonia and Lydia. These uprisings may have been fueled by resentment towards Cambyses' harsh rule and his perceived lack of respect for local customs and traditions.
Cambyses' Mental Health and the Death of Smerdis
During the unrest, reports emerged that Cambyses had suffered a mental breakdown, becoming increasingly erratic and violent. These reports were later confirmed by Herodotus, who claimed that Cambyses suffered from delusions and murdered his brother Bardiya, who he believed was impersonating the murdered pharaoh Smerdis.
Diodorus' Account of Cambyses' Death
Another Greek historian, Diodorus Siculus, offers a different account of Cambyses' death. According to Diodorus, Cambyses accidentally shot himself in the thigh during a hunting expedition, leading to a fatal infection.
Cambyses II's legacy is complex and often contradictory. He was a great conqueror who expanded the Achaemenid Empire to its greatest extent, but his reign was also marked by brutality, instability, and internal unrest. His mental state remains a subject of debate, and his legacy continues to be debated by historians and scholars.