Bessus

AncientGeneralPersia-400 — -329

Satrap who betrayed Darius III, executed by Alexander.

Compare Bessus with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

400 BCE

Died

329 BCE

Country

Persia

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)40

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)44

Legacy (20%)35

Leadership (15%)68

Strategy (15%)35

Total Score42.7

Bessus — Complete Timeline

330 BC

Betrayal and Murder of Darius IIIPolitical Action◆ Major

Bessus, along with other Persian nobles, arrested and imprisoned Darius III after the Battle of Gaugamela. As Alexander pursued, Bessus had Darius stabbed to death and left him by the roadside, then proclaimed himself king as Artaxerxes V.

BetrayalRegicidePersian Empire

Impact: globaldestructive

Proclamation as Artaxerxes VPolitical Action◆ Major

After killing Darius III, Bessus declared himself king of Persia under the regnal name Artaxerxes V. He attempted to rally resistance in Bactria and Sogdiana against Alexander, but failed to gain widespread support.

UsurpationKingshipBactria

Impact: regional

329 BC

Capture and Execution by AlexanderPolitical Action◆ Major

Alexander pursued Bessus into Sogdiana, where his own officers betrayed and handed him over. Bessus was tried for regicide, mutilated (nose and ears cut off), and executed in Ecbatana, ending the Achaemenid royal line.

ExecutionJusticeAlexander

Impact: regionaltragic