Cambyses I facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cambyses |
|
|---|---|
| King of Persia | |
Tomb of Cambyses I, Pasargadae
|
|
| King of Persia | |
| Reign | 580–559 BC |
| Predecessor | Cyrus I |
| Successor | Cyrus II |
| Died | 559 BC (aged 41) Pasargadae |
| Burial | 559 Pasargadae |
| Consort | Mandane of Media |
| Issue | Cyrus the Great |
| Dynasty | Achaemenid |
| Father | Cyrus I |
| Religion | Zoroastrianism |
Cambyses I was an important king in ancient Persia. He ruled a region called Anshan from about 580 to 559 BC. He was the father of Cyrus the Great (also known as Cyrus II), who became one of the most famous rulers in history. Cambyses I was the younger son of Cyrus I and the brother of Arukku. It's important not to confuse him with his grandson, Cambyses II, who was also a king.
Who Was Cambyses I?
Cambyses I was an early member of the Achaemenid dynasty. This was a powerful family that would later create a huge empire. He was the great-grandson of Achaemenes, who started the dynasty. His grandfather was Teispes, and his father was Cyrus I. His uncle was Ariaramnes, and his cousin was Arsames.
Not many records from Cambyses' own time have survived. Most of what we know about him comes from later historians.
His Family Life
According to the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, Cambyses was a "man of good family and quiet habits." He ruled Anshan while under the control of Astyages, who was the King of Media.
Cambyses I married Princess Mandane of Media. She was the daughter of King Astyages and Princess Aryenis of Lydia. This means Mandane was also the granddaughter of two important kings: Cyaxares of Media and Alyattes of Lydia.
Cambyses and Mandane had a son together. This son grew up to be Cyrus the Great, who would later become a very famous ruler.
The Prophecy and His Son
Herodotus tells an interesting story about why King Astyages chose Cambyses as his son-in-law. Astyages had a dream that his daughter, Mandane, would give birth to a child who would rule all of Asia. He thought Cambyses was a quiet and harmless man, so he believed Cambyses' son would not be a threat to his own throne.
However, this was not quite true. Cambyses' son, Cyrus the Great, did indeed become a powerful ruler. He eventually took over the Median kingdom from his grandfather Astyages. This event marked the beginning of the mighty Persian Empire.
His Death
According to another historian, Nicolas of Damascus, Cambyses I's original name was Atradates. He was wounded in a battle called the Battle of the Persian Border. This battle was fought against Astyages, and Cambyses fought alongside his son, Cyrus. The battle happened around 551 BC. Cambyses I died from his wounds but was given an honorable burial.
