The story of Darius I‘s rise to power in the Achaemenid Empire is one of political intrigue, rebellion, and strategic genius. Following the sudden and mysterious death of Cambyses II in 522 BCE, the empire found itself in disarray. Amidst this chaos, a man named Gaumata—a figure cloaked in mystery and controversy—rose to claim the throne, only to be overthrown by Darius and his co-conspirators. The events that transpired during this period set the foundation for Darius I’s reign and left a mark on Persian history.
This article delves into the dramatic series of events that allowed Darius I to seize the throne, examining the political, cultural, and personal motives that fueled this pivotal moment in the Achaemenid Empire’s history.
The Death of Cambyses II: A Power Vacuum
The Achaemenid Empire was thriving under Cyrus the Great, and when his son Cambyses II took the throne, the empire was poised for further growth. Cambyses’ most significant military achievement was the conquest of Egypt in 525 BCE, but his reign was marked by increasingly erratic behavior. According to various historical accounts, Cambyses had his brother Bardiya (or Smerdis) secretly murdered, possibly out of fear that Bardiya would challenge him for the throne.
However, Cambyses’ reign came to an abrupt and suspicious end. While returning from Egypt to deal with uprisings in Persia, Cambyses died under unclear circumstances. Some reports suggest an accidental self-inflicted injury, while others hint at suicide. Regardless of how he died, Cambyses left no clear successor, throwing the empire into a political vacuum that would soon be filled by deception, conspiracy, and revolt.
The Rise of Gaumata: The Magian Usurper
With Cambyses gone and Bardiya allegedly dead, a man named Gaumata seized the opportunity to claim the Persian throne. Gaumata was a Magian—part of a priestly class that held significant religious and political influence in ancient Persia. Gaumata declared that he was, in fact, Bardiya, the rightful heir to the throne. This claim sparked immediate confusion, as many believed Cambyses had already killed his brother.
However, Gaumata’s appearance and his assertion that he was Bardiya (or Smerdis) were convincing enough that the Persian populace initially accepted him as the rightful king. He ruled for several months, during which he enacted policies that seemed favorable to the general population. Gaumata’s short reign saw the suspension of certain taxes and military levies, endearing him to many commoners, who viewed him as a champion of the people.
But Gaumata’s claim to the throne was fragile. His legitimacy rested on a lie—or at least that’s how Darius I portrayed it. According to Darius’ Behistun Inscription, Gaumata was an impostor who used his position to dismantle Persian traditions and deceive the empire.
The Conspiracy of Darius and the Seven Nobles
As Gaumata consolidated power, opposition began to form among the Persian nobility. Darius I, a distant cousin of Cambyses, was among the first to rally opposition. According to the Behistun Inscription—a crucial historical record created by Darius himself—he led a group of seven noblemen in a conspiracy to overthrow Gaumata and restore the Achaemenid dynasty.
The seven conspirators included some of the most powerful figures in Persia, and they operated in secret, planning to strike when Gaumata was most vulnerable. Darius’ account emphasizes that he was guided by divine will, suggesting that his claim to the throne was not only legitimate but sanctioned by Ahura Mazda, the chief deity of Zoroastrianism. Whether this was propaganda to solidify his rule or a reflection of his true beliefs, Darius used the idea of divine favor to legitimize his actions.
The conspirators knew that timing was critical. Gaumata had ruled for several months, and while his policies were popular among the lower classes, his hold on power was still tenuous. The nobility, many of whom had lost power under his reign, were eager for change. In late September 522 BCE, Darius and his co-conspirators launched their coup.
The Assassination of Gaumata
The assassination of Gaumata is one of the most dramatic moments in Persian history. According to Darius, the conspirators stormed a stronghold in Media, where Gaumata was staying, and killed him along with his followers. The details of this assassination are somewhat vague, with Darius’ account painting the act as a heroic moment of divine justice.
Some accounts suggest that Gaumata was caught by surprise, having not expected such a bold move from the nobility. Once Gaumata was dead, Darius declared himself king, claiming that he was restoring the Achaemenid line. This swift and decisive action allowed Darius to take control of the empire before any serious opposition could form.
However, not everyone accepted Darius’ version of events. Some sources, including Herodotus, suggest that Gaumata may have been the real Bardiya or at least had a legitimate claim to the throne. This discrepancy between accounts has fueled centuries of speculation about what really happened during the coup and whether Darius’ rise to power was as just as he claimed.
The Propaganda of Darius I: The Behistun Inscription
Darius I wasted no time in securing his hold on the throne. To cement his legitimacy, he commissioned the Behistun Inscription, a monumental rock relief carved into a cliff in what is now western Iran. The inscription, written in three languages—Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian—tells the story of how Darius defeated Gaumata and restored order to the Persian Empire.
The Behistun Inscription was more than just a historical record—it was a piece of political propaganda designed to justify Darius’ seizure of power. In the inscription, Darius presents himself as the chosen one of Ahura Mazda, who had saved the empire from the chaos and deceit of Gaumata. This narrative was crucial in shaping the perception of Darius’ rule both within Persia and in the broader ancient world.
While the inscription provides valuable insights into Darius’ version of events, it must be viewed critically. It is possible that Darius exaggerated or even fabricated elements of the story to enhance his image as a rightful and divinely appointed ruler. Gaumata, portrayed as a deceitful usurper, may have been more legitimate than Darius’ inscription suggests.
Was Gaumata Truly an Impostor?
One of the enduring mysteries surrounding Darius’ rise to power is the true identity of Gaumata. Was he really an impostor, as Darius claimed, or was he the legitimate Bardiya, the brother of Cambyses?
The lack of clear historical evidence has made it difficult to determine the truth. Some scholars believe that Gaumata may have been Bardiya and that Darius’ claim of an impostor was a way to justify his coup. Others argue that Gaumata was indeed a Magian priest who saw an opportunity to seize power after Cambyses’ death.
The fact that Darius’ account is the most detailed surviving narrative of these events makes it challenging to separate fact from fiction. As with much of ancient history, the truth likely lies somewhere in between. What is clear, however, is that Darius successfully portrayed himself as the savior of the Persian Empire, a narrative that helped secure his reign for the next several decades.
Darius I: Consolidating Power After the Coup
After killing Gaumata and claiming the throne, Darius faced a series of rebellions throughout the empire. Several regions, including Babylon, Elam, and Media, rose up against him, questioning his legitimacy. These rebellions were quickly quashed, but they highlight the precariousness of Darius’ early reign.
To secure his position, Darius reorganized the empire, establishing the famous satrapy system that divided Persia into administrative regions governed by loyal officials. This allowed him to maintain control over the vast and diverse territories of the Achaemenid Empire. His reign would go on to be one of the most successful in Persian history, marked by significant developments in infrastructure, administration, and military conquest.
Conclusion: A Throne Seized Through Blood and Strategy
The story of how Darius I took the throne of the Persian Empire is a tale of political maneuvering, bold action, and historical ambiguity. While Darius portrayed himself as a divinely chosen savior, the truth of his rise to power is more complex. Whether Gaumata was truly an impostor or a legitimate heir, Darius’ ability to unite the nobility and act decisively allowed him to seize the throne and shape the future of Persia.
Darius’ reign would be remembered for its achievements, but the shadow of his coup and the mystery of Gaumata’s identity continue to intrigue historians and readers alike. As with much of ancient history, the story of Darius’ ascent to power remains a blend of fact, fiction, and political propaganda—a testament to the complexity of royal succession in the ancient world.
Kam Austine 
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