Artaxerxes III Suppresses Cyprian Rebels

Artaxerxes III faced significant challenges during his reign, particularly with the emergence of rebellions in various regions, including Cyprus. Following a setback in his campaign to reconquer Egypt, he turned his attention to the unrest in Cyprus, which was part of a broader wave of revolts occurring in Phoenicia and Asia Minor. To address the situation in Cyprus, Artaxerxes appointed Idrieus, the prince of Caria, to lead the suppression efforts. Idrieus was a capable leader who recognized the need for military strength to quell the insurrection. He assembled a force of 8,000 Greek mercenaries, leveraging their combat experience and skills to confront the Cyprian rebels effectively. The use of mercenaries was a strategic decision, as it allowed for a rapid and decisive response to the rebellion without overextending the Persian military resources. The campaign led by Idrieus proved successful, resulting in the reduction of the Cyprian rebels and the restoration of Persian control over the island. This military action not only reinforced Artaxerxes' authority but also demonstrated the effectiveness of employing mercenary forces in regional conflicts. The suppression of the Cyprian rebellion had lasting implications for the stability of Persian rule in the area, as it deterred further insurrections and solidified the Persian Empire's influence in the eastern Mediterranean. The events in Cyprus were part of a larger context of resistance against Persian dominance, highlighting the complexities of maintaining control over diverse territories during this period.