v55_0051 - PERSIA - ACHAEMENID KINGDOM - DARIUS III CODOMANNUS Darique d'or

PERSIA - ACHAEMENID KINGDOM - DARIUS III CODOMANNUS

(336-330 BC)

Darius III succeeded Artaxerxes III (359-338 BC) or Arses (338-336 BC). He had to face the Macedonian invasion of Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). His generals were defeated at Granique in 334 BC. He himself was defeated at Issos (333 BC) and at Gaumalès (331 BC). Having lost everything, he must flee and find refuge in Media where he is finally assassinated by Bessos, satrap of Bactria, in 330 BC. Alexander gives him a royal funeral and punishes his assassins.