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Bagapaios, Prince of Achaemenid Empire

Background

Bagapaios, also spelled Bagapates, was a prince of the Achaemenid Empire, a member of the royal family of Persia during the 4th century BCE. He is known primarily for his role in the events following the death of King Artaxerxes III and the subsequent struggles for succession within the Persian Empire. Bagapaios was a member of the Achaemenid dynasty, which ruled over the Persian Empire.

Relation to the King:

Bagapaios was a son of Artaxerxes III, who ruled as king of Persia from 358 BCE to 338 BCE. As the son of the king, Bagapaios held a privileged position within the royal family and likely had influence in Persian court politics. After the death of Artaxerxes III, a succession crisis erupted, with rival claimants vying for the Persian throne. Bagapaios likely played a role in supporting his preferred candidate for the kingship, possibly himself or another member of the royal family.

Conflict with Arses

One of the main contenders for the Persian throne was Arses, who eventually succeeded as king and ruled under the name Artaxerxes IV. Bagapaios may have been involved in political maneuvering and conflicts with Arses and his supporters as part of the succession struggles. Information about Bagapaios and his role in Persian history is primarily derived from ancient historical sources, including classical historians such as Diodorus Siculus and Justin. These sources provide insights into the political intrigue and power struggles that characterized the Achaemenid Empire during this period.

Legacy

Bagapaios' specific contributions and achievements are not extensively documented in historical records, and his legacy is relatively obscure compared to other members of the Achaemenid royal family. Nevertheless, his involvement in the succession struggles following the death of Artaxerxes III sheds light on the complexities of Persian court politics and succession customs.

In summary, Bagapaios was a prince of the Achaemenid Empire and a son of King Artaxerxes III. He played a role in the succession struggles that ensued after his father's death, likely aligning himself with one of the rival claimants to the Persian throne. While his specific actions and contributions are not extensively documented, his involvement in the political intrigues of the Persian court provides valuable insights into the dynamics of power within the Achaemenid royal family.