Chapter Five

Bessus’ Fate

Bessus’ final fate, as reported by the Alexander Histories, also reveals the interaction of folkloric motifs with historic facts. In certain parts close similarities with reports on Darius, as well as counter-poses, is evident. While altogether these reports show a singular strand of direction, they culminate in glorifying Alexander. Bessus’ very end and the punishment meted out by Alexander is reported variously by the sources, some drawing on comparisons with the fate of rebels in the beginning of Darius I’s rule and his restoration of stability and Achaemenid rule. The story of Bessus’ capture interestingly approximates that of Darius III, his Iranian predecessor. They both suffer from the treason of their close associates. One may note that there are other rebellions that Alexander needs to put down, but none is treated in the sources with such significance. The reason is of course Bessus’ claim to Achaemenid kingship. As reports: Certain Persians met Alexander, reporting that Bessus was wearing his cap royal fashion and clothing himself in Persian royal garb, called himself Artaxerxes instead of Bessus, and gave out that he was king of Asia. He had about him, they said, those Persians who had fled safe to and a good number of the Bactrians themselves; and he expected that Scythian allies would also join him.1 It would seem that he is following Darius’ strategy and the plan that he had relied on for his final encounter with Alexander. But instead of put- ting the Bactrian force and their formidable strength2 at the service of the king and using the advantage of the Bactrian country side for the king’s victory, he seizes the opportunity for his own assumption of power.3

1 Arrian III. 25. 3; on the significance of throne names, see R. Schmitt, “Achaemenid Throne-names” Annali dell’Istituto Orientale di Napoli 42, 1982, pp. 83–95. 2 Curtius IV. XIII. 5. 3 Cf. Diodorus XVII. 74. 2: “he pointed out that the nature of their country would assist them very much, since the region was hard for an army to penetrate and furnished enough men for them to establish their independence. He proclaimed that he would take personal command of the war and designated himself king, with the approval of the people. Then 92 chapter five

Alexander on his march against Bessus encounters rebellions and armed oppositions, some as part of and precursors to Bessus’ rebellion, narrated with heroic overtones.4 Of special significance is the hand-to-hand duel of an Iranian general with one of Alexander’s generals,5 bringing to mind the story of Darius’ combat with a Cadusian chieftain when serving in the army of Artaxerxes III.6 This finds an added importance in view of the fact that Bessus has assumed the throne-name of Artaxerxes. The story here would seem to function as a propaganda tool for Bessus, elevating him contra Darius and putting him on equal footing with Darius’ former overlord, the Achaemenid king Artaxerxes III (Ochus). The story ascribed to Darius is now related for one of his underlings, Satibarzanes,7 although the outcome of the combat is in favour of Alexander’s general, Erigyius.8 Therefore, in the end the story seizes on the established gradation and turns its purport and the final effect to Alexander’s benefit. This single combat decides the fate of the battle and the Iranian tribesmen either flee9 or surrender.10 Further on amid the skirmishes and flights we are informed of another deed of Bessus that seems to echo an act of Darius, only in reverse, displaying his dark character in comparison with Darius’ humanism, again all taking place under Alexander’s overwhelming brav- ery and powerful ascent. In fleeing from Alexander’s approaching army Bessus crosses the river Oxus and burns the boats on which he had crossed.11 This act may be compared with Darius’ action after the defeat at Arbela and his flight. He crosses the river Lycus and refuses to burn the bridge behind him, saying that he preferred to give a passage to his pursuers rather than take one away from those who were in flight.12

he set to work enrolling soldiers, manufacturing an adequate stock of weapons, and busily making everything ready for the approaching time of need”; Curtius VI. 6. 13: “For Bessus, having assumed royal attire, had given orders that he should be called Artaxerxes, and was assembling the Scythians and the rest of the peoples dwelling by the Tanais.” 4 Arrian III. 25. 5–7, 28. 2–3; Diodorus XVII. 81. 3, 83. 4 f.; Curtius VII. 3. 2, 4. 33–40. 5 Arrian III. 28. 3; Diodorus XVII. 83. 5–6; Curtius VII. IV. 33–38. 6 Diodorus XVII. 6. 1–2; Justin X; cf. Briant, pp. 229–230. 7 Arrian III. 25. 5; Diodorus XVII. 83. 5; Curtius VII. IV. 33. 8 Curtius VII. 4. 37; Arrian III. 28. 3; Diodorus XVII. 83. 6. 9 Arrian III. 28. 3. 10 Curtius VII. 4. 38; Diodorus XVII. 83. 6. 11 Arrian III. 28. 9. 12 Curtius IV. XVI. 8–9; Justin XI. XIV.