Orontobates

AncientGeneralCaria-350 — -330

Persian satrap who defended Halicarnassus against Alexander.

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Quick Facts

Born

350 BCE

Died

330 BCE

Country

Caria

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)40

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)47

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)30

Strategy (15%)43

Total Score39.2

Orontobates — Complete Timeline

335 BC

Became satrap of CariaPolitical Action◆ Major

After the death of Pixodarus, Orontobates, a Persian noble and son-in-law of Pixodarus, became the satrap of Caria. He was appointed by the Achaemenid king Darius III to govern the region, continuing Persian control.

SatrapPersian Empire

Impact: regional

334 BC

Defended Halicarnassus against Alexander the GreatWar

Orontobates commanded the Persian defense of Halicarnassus during Alexander the Great's siege. Despite fierce resistance, the city fell after a prolonged assault. Orontobates escaped with his forces, but the loss was a major setback for the Persian Empire.

SiegeAlexander the GreatPersian Empire

Impact: regionaltragic

333 BC

Continued resistance in CariaWar

After the fall of Halicarnassus, Orontobates retreated to the citadel of Salmacis and continued to resist Alexander's forces. He held out for several months, but eventually surrendered or was defeated, ending Persian control in Caria.

ResistanceAlexander the Great

Impact: regionaltragic

330 BC

Death or disappearanceOther

Orontobates' fate after the fall of Caria is uncertain. He may have been killed in battle, executed by Alexander, or fled to the east. His disappearance marked the end of Persian satrapal rule in Caria.

DeathUncertain