Darius III Murdered by Bessus

Darius III, the last king of the Achaemenid Empire, was captured by Bessus, a Bactrian satrap and relative. Following his capture, Bessus made the decision to murder Darius III, an act that marked a pivotal moment in the power dynamics of the region. After killing Darius, Bessus proclaimed himself as Darius' successor, taking on the title of Artaxerxes V. This declaration was not merely a claim to power; it was a strategic move aimed at consolidating control over the territories that were once part of the Achaemenid Empire. Bessus's actions were driven by the imminent threat posed by Alexander the Great, who was advancing through Persia with the intent to conquer the empire. In a bid to delay Alexander's pursuit, Bessus left Darius' body on the roadside, a tactic intended to hinder the Macedonian forces. However, Alexander's forces eventually discovered Darius' body and ensured that he received an honorable funeral in Persepolis, reflecting the respect for the fallen king despite the circumstances of his death. This event not only underscored the brutality of the power struggles during this period but also highlighted the shifting allegiances and the chaos that ensued as Alexander sought to expand his empire.