The Middle East: 381–370 BCE

Evagoras’ Final Struggle and Persian Reassertion

The conflict between Evagoras of Salamis and the Persian Empire under Artaxerxes II continues, turning decisively against Evagoras in 381 BCE. At the critical Battle of Citium, Evagoras' fleet suffers a devastating defeat, forcing him to retreat to Salamis, where he is effectively besieged by Persian forces. Despite these setbacks, Evagoras exploits internal Persian discord, notably disagreements between Persian generals, to negotiate peace terms in 376 BCE. Under this settlement, Evagoras retains nominal kingship over Salamis but is compelled to acknowledge Persian sovereignty and pay annual tribute, effectively becoming a Persian vassal.

Celebrated in contemporary Greek literature, notably Isocrates’ panegyric, Evagoras is portrayed as an exemplary ruler committed to fostering Greek culture and civilization within Cyprus. His reign sees the adoption of the Greek alphabet in place of the traditional Cypriot syllabary, marking a significant cultural shift that integrates Cyprus more firmly into the Greek cultural sphere.

Despite his achievements, Evagoras meets an untimely end when he is assassinated in 374 BCE by a eunuch motivated by personal vengeance. He is succeeded by his likely son, Nicocles, who continues the delicate balance of nominal independence under Persian oversight.