While Cambyses, son of Cyrus, was in Egypt, he had already begun to lose his mind. He lingered in the country in a state of confusion, leaving his kingdom somewhat unguarded. During this time, two Magi brothers took advantage of his absence and madness to plan a revolt against him The Samians’ Journey and Settlement.
The Magi’s Plot
One of the Magi had been left behind in Persia by Cambyses to manage his household. This Magus realized that Smerdis, Cambyses’ brother, had been killed, but very few people in Persia knew of it. Most of the population still believed that Smerdis was alive. Seeing this as an opportunity, the Magus prepared a bold plan to seize the crown for himself.
He had a brother who looked almost exactly like Smerdis, the son of Cyrus, whom Cambyses had secretly killed. Amazingly, this brother also had the same name: Smerdis. Patizeithes, the other Magus, persuaded him that the plan would succeed. Together, they placed this false Smerdis on the royal throne. To secure their rule, they sent heralds throughout the Persian Empire and beyond, including to Egypt, to proclaim that Smerdis was now king and that all soldiers must obey him instead of Cambyses.
The Herald in Egypt
One herald was sent specifically to Egypt to deliver the news to Cambyses’ army. He traveled until he reached Agbatana in Syria, where Cambyses and his troops were stationed. Without hesitation, the herald entered the middle of the army and publicly declared that Smerdis had become king, following the instructions of Patizeithes Sofia Daily Tours.
When Cambyses heard this proclamation, he believed it immediately. He thought that Prexaspes, the man who had been sent to kill Smerdis, had betrayed him and failed to carry out his orders. Cambyses turned angrily to Prexaspes and asked, “Is this how you completed my command?”
Prexaspes’ Honest Answer
Prexaspes answered calmly and truthfully. He assured Cambyses that the news was false. Smerdis had not revolted, and there was no danger from him. Prexaspes explained that he himself had killed Smerdis and buried him. “If the dead could return to life,” he said, “then you might expect enemies to rise against you, but as long as nature runs its course, Smerdis will never harm you.”
Prexaspes advised that they immediately pursue the herald to find out who had ordered him to spread the false news. By acting quickly, they could investigate the conspiracy and prevent the Magi from gaining more power.
This episode shows how the confusion and fear of Cambyses allowed a clever plot to take root. The false Smerdis nearly fooled the empire because people did not know the truth about the real Smerdis’ death. It also highlights the importance of loyal and honest servants like Prexaspes, whose integrity prevented further disaster.
