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CHRISTOPHER BARON

University of Notre Dame

According to Herodotus’ account, Aspathines was one of the seven Persian co‐conspirators who brought to an end the rule of the MAGI—the “false” SMERDIS and his brother PATIZEITHES—in 522 BCE. Aspathines was invited to join the conspiracy by OTANES (1) (3.70) and wounded by one of the Magi during the struggle in the palace at SUSA (3.78.2). His son Prexaspes served as one of the four admirals of the Persian fleet under XERXES in 480 (7.97).

Aspathines’ name is the only one of the seven in Herodotus which does not correspond to those on the BISITUN inscription (DB §68), where “Ardumaniš” is restored based on the Babylonian text. However, in the reliefs on the tomb of DARIUS I at Naqsh‐i Rustam, an Aspačanā (Elam. Ašbazana) appears as a high‐ranking officer whose title (vaçabara‐) means “garment‐bearer” (DNd 1; see Kuhrt 2007, 500–1 fig. 11.14). Most scholars identify this figure with Aspathines. His presence in Herodotus’ narrative of the end of the rule of the Magi would then result from the prominence he gained during Darius’ reign. His name also appears on tablets and seals from PERSEPOLIS (Garrison 1998).

SEE ALSO: Persia; Prexaspes son of Aspathines; Sources for Herodotus