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Cambyses
Tomb of Cambyses I, Pasargadae
King of Persia
Reign	580–559 BC
Predecessor	Cyrus I
Successor	Cyrus II
Died	559 BC (aged 41) Pasargadae
Burial	559 Pasargadae
Consort	Mandane of Media
Issue	Cyrus the Great
Dynasty	Achaemenid
Father	Cyrus I
Religion	Zoroastrianism

Cambyses I ( Old Persian: 𐎣𐎲𐎢𐎪𐎡𐎹 Kabūjiya) was king of Anshan from c. 580 to 559 BC and the father of Cyrus the Great (Cyrus II), younger son of Cyrus I, and brother of Arukku. ^[1] He should not be confused with his better-known grandson Cambyses II.

Etymology

The origins of the name of "Cambyses" ( Old Persian: 𐎣𐎲𐎢𐎪𐎡𐎹 Kabūjiya) is disputed in scholarship. The etymology of "Kambūjiya" is uncertain, but it is believed to have important meanings within the cultural and linguistic context of ancient Persia.

According to some scholars, the name is of Elamite origin. "Kambūjiya" referred to an ancient tribe or clan within Persia, indicating a lineage or tribal affiliation. This interpretation aligns with the common practice of naming in many ancient cultures, where names often reflected familial, tribal, or regional associations. ^[2]

Another interpretation, although less definitive, suggests a connection to the Avestan word "Kanbya," which means "resembling the moon" or "moon-like," derived from the Avestan "mah," meaning "moon." This interpretation would be symbolic, possibly reflecting a desired characteristic or aspirational quality of the individual. ^[2]

Finally, others associate it with Kambojas, an Iranian people who inhabited northwestern India. ^[1] The name of Cambyses is known in other languages as: Elamite Kanbuziya; Akkadian Kambuziya; Aramaic Kanbūzī. ^[1]

Background

No records composed during Cambyses' lifetime have survived. ^[1] Cambyses was an early member of the Achaemenid dynasty. He was apparently a great-grandson of its founder Achaemenes, grandson of Teispes and son of Cyrus I. His paternal uncle was Ariaramnes and his first cousin was Arsames.

However, around 100 years later, Herodotus claimed that Cambyses I was a vassal of the Median king Astyages and, he solidified his political standing through marriage to one of Astyages' daughters, whose name wasn't explicitly said by Herodotus. This alliance likely helped in securing the support or neutrality of Media as his son, Cyrus, began his military campaigns that eventually led to the founding of the Persian Empire. His role was essential in the transition from a minor regional rule in Anshan to the larger ambitions of the Achaemenid dynasty that dominated much of the ancient Near East. ^[3]

Personal life

According to Herodotus, Cambyses was "a man of good family and quiet habits". He reigned under the overlordship of Astyages, King of Media. He was reportedly married to Princess Mandane of Media, a daughter of Astyages and Princess Aryenis of Lydia. His wife was reportedly a granddaughter of both Cyaxares of Media and Alyattes of Lydia. ^[4] The result of their marriage was the birth of his successor Cyrus the Great. According to Nicolas of Damascus, his original name was Atradates, and he was wounded and later died in the Battle of the Persian Border which he, with his son, fought against Astyages. It occurred in about 551 BC, and he is reported to have received an honorable burial.

Also according to Herodotus, Astyages chose Cambyses as a son-in-law because he considered him to pose no threat to the Median throne, having dreamt his daughter would give birth to one who would rule Asia, overthrowing Astyages. This was not quite the case with Cyrus the Great who would go on to depose his grandfather, and to begin the Persian Empire.

References

Sources

• Briant, Pierre (2002). From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire. Eisenbrauns. ISBN  978-1575060316.
• Dandamayev, Muhammad A. (1990). "Cambyses". Encyclopaedia Iranica, Vol. IV, Fasc. 7. pp. 726–729.