Warfare > Siege of Pasargadae Hill

Siege of Pasargadae Hill

Background

The Siege of Pasargadae Hill refers to a significant event during the revolt of the Persian satrap Artabazus against King Artaxerxes II in the mid-4th century BCE. The revolt occurred within the context of the larger struggles for power and authority within the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Artabazus, the satrap of Hellespontine Phrygia, rebelled against King Artaxerxes II around 367 BCE, likely motivated by personal ambitions and grievances. Pasargadae Hill, located in the region of Pasargadae in Persis (modern-day Fars Province, Iran), served as a strategic stronghold during the revolt.

Key Players:

Artabazus: The Persian satrap who led the revolt against Artaxerxes II. Artabazus commanded a sizable force of troops, including Persian soldiers and mercenaries.

Artaxerxes II: The Achaemenid Persian king who faced challenges to his authority, including the revolt of Artabazus.

Course of the Siege:

Rebel Occupation: Artabazus and his forces occupied Pasargadae Hill, using its elevated position and natural defenses to their advantage.

Siege Operations: King Artaxerxes II mobilized his loyalist forces to besiege Pasargadae Hill and suppress the rebellion.

Resistance and Conflict: The rebels put up a determined defense, engaging in skirmishes and battles with the besieging forces as they sought to hold their ground.

Conclusion: After a prolonged siege, the loyalist forces managed to breach the defenses of Pasargadae Hill and overcome the rebel resistance. Artabazus and his followers were defeated, and the revolt was quelled.

Aftermath:

The Siege of Pasargadae Hill resulted in the suppression of Artabazus's revolt and the restoration of Artaxerxes II's authority over Persis and the Achaemenid Empire.Artabazus, along with his surviving followers, likely faced severe consequences for their rebellion, though specific details are not well-documented.

Legacy:

The Siege of Pasargadae Hill reflects the internal challenges and power struggles within the Achaemenid Persian Empire during the reign of Artaxerxes II. While the revolt itself may not have had far-reaching consequences for the empire as a whole, it underscores the complexities of governance and authority within the vast Persian realm. In summary, the Siege of Pasargadae Hill was a pivotal event during Artabazus's revolt against King Artaxerxes II, showcasing the dynamics of internal conflict within the Achaemenid Persian Empire and the efforts to maintain central control over its territories.