Mania (satrap) facts for kids

Mania (also spelled Manya) was a powerful woman who lived a long time ago, around 440 BC to 399 BC. She was a ruler in a place called Dardanus, which was part of the Persian Empire in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). We know about her mostly from the writings of an ancient Greek historian named Xenophon.

Mania was married to a man named Zenis. He was a local ruler, or "sub-satrap," under a more powerful Persian governor named Pharnabazus II. When Zenis passed away, Mania took over his role. It was very unusual for a woman to become a ruler in those times, especially in a Greek city-state. To make sure she could rule, Mania needed the support of Pharnabazus II. She gave him and his important advisors many gifts to gain their approval.

Mania's Rule and Leadership

As a ruler, Mania was known for being very loyal to the Persian Empire. She made sure to pay her taxes and tributes to Pharnabazus II. She also helped him with his army.

A Skilled Military Leader

Mania had her own army of hired soldiers, called mercenaries. She used them to help Pharnabazus II fight against groups who were rebelling, like the Mysians and Pisidians. She helped secure Persian control over several cities, including Larisa (Troad), Hamaxitos, and Kolonai.

What's really amazing is that Mania would go to the battles herself! She would ride in a carriage or chariot and watch her soldiers fight. The ancient writers say she was never defeated in battle. Another historian, Polyaenus, agreed with Xenophon that she was an excellent general.

Respected by Her Peers

People at the time, even male Greek writers, admired Mania. She had a very good relationship with Pharnabazus II. Xenophon wrote that Pharnabazus II often asked for her advice on important political matters. This shows how much he respected her intelligence and leadership skills.

The End of Her Reign

Sadly, Mania's life ended tragically. She and her seventeen-year-old son were both murdered by her son-in-law, Meidias.

After Mania's death, Pharnabazus II refused to support Meidias as the new ruler. The people of Dardanus also did not want Meidias to rule them. Soon after the murders, the city of Dardanus surrendered to a Spartan general named Dercylidas.