Darius III served as the thirteenth and final monarch of the Achaemenid Empire, assuming the throne in 336 BC during a period of intense internal instability. His reign remains the subject of historiographical debate, largely because records of his rule depend heavily on accounts written by the Greek observers who documented his defeat and the subsequent collapse of his dynasty.
Rise to Power
Born in Persis around 380 BC, Darius was a distant relative of the Achaemenid royal line. He first gained recognition during the Cadusian expedition in the 350s BC, where he distinguished himself in combat. Artaxerxes III subsequently appointed him as the satrap of Armenia. Around 340 BC, Darius took control of the royal postal service, a high-ranking position denoted by the term bandaka. Following the assassination of Artaxerxes III and his successor Arses by the court eunuch Bagoas, Darius was installed on the throne in 336 BC. Upon discovering that Bagoas intended to orchestrate his own poisoning, Darius forced the eunuch to consume the lethal draught himself.
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The stability of the Achaemenid Empire faced an immediate external threat with the ascent of Alexander the Great. In 334 BC, the Macedonian invasion began, leading to a series of military engagements across the region. As the conflict escalated, Greek forces systematically dismantled Persian control. By 330 BC, the capital at Persepolis was destroyed by fire, effectively signaling the end of Achaemenid authority. Darius retreated as his empire fell under the control of the advancing Macedonian military.
Final Years
Following the fall of Persepolis, Darius sought refuge in the eastern territories. His flight ended in Bactria, where he was killed by Bessus, a relative and local satrap who had been part of his retinue. With his death in 330 BC, the Achaemenid line ceased to function as a sovereign power. Darius was buried at Persepolis, marking the conclusion of a transition that saw the transition of the Persian realm to Macedonian hegemony.
Fast facts
- Born: 380 BC, Persis
- Died: 330 BC, Bactria
- Reign: 336–330 BC
- Religion: Mazdaism
- Positions: Pharaoh, Shah, Satrap, King of Kings
- Burial site: Persepolis
- Birth name: Artashata
Questions readers ask
Was Darius III the son of a king?
No, he was a distant member of the Achaemenid dynasty, born to a man named Arsames.
Why is he known by different names?
He was born with the name Artashata and adopted the regnal name Darius upon his accession.
Achievements
- pharaoh (-0336–-0332)
- shah (-0336–-0330)
- satrap
- King of Kings (-0336–-0330)
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