Artabanus
~ 480 BC
 |
| ARTABANUS AND THE GHOST |
Artabanus was a younger brother of Darius, and is a character who figures predominantly in the histories of Herodotus,
much more as a counselor than a man of action.
He was an advisor to both Darius and Xerxes, but his dialogues with Xerxes regarding the pending war on Greece are of
particular interest. He is nearly always portrayed as advising caution and conservative action rather than aggression.
He counselled and accompanied Xerxes during all of his three years of preparations for war with Greece, and followed him
as far as Asia Minor. There he gave Xerxes a final warning regarding the risks of the campaign. He then returned to Susa to govern in Xerxes's absence, but is heard of no more in the stories of Herodotus.
Artabanus was also the name of a conspirator who plotted to murder Xerxes fifteen years after the invasion of Greece, but
he was of no relation ot Artabanus, the brother of Darius.
Key events during the life of Artabanus:
| Year |
Event |
| 512 BC |
Cautioned Darius against the invasion of Persia. |
| 495 BC |
Helped decide which of the sons of Darius should follow him on the throne. |
| 482 BC |
Cautioned Xerxes against invasion of Greece. Changed mind after seeing Xerxes's ghost. |
| 480 BC |
Accompanied Xerxes as far as Abydos, then returned to Susa. |
| Book Links |
|---|
| Xerxes by Jacob Abbott |
Other Resources
Image Links |
|---|
Artabanus and the Ghost
in Xerxes
|
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Darius the Great |
With six conspirators seized the throne of Persia, primarily through craft rather than force. |
| Xerxes |
Raised an enormous army for Persian invasion of Greece. Defeated at Battle of Salamis. |
| Mardonius |
Brother-in-law of Xerxes and commander-in-chief of Xerxes's Army. |