Datames

Datames (ruled 385 BCE–killed 362 BCE) is a general and satrap (provincial governor) of Cappadocia under the Persian empire.

A Carian by birth, he was the son of Camissares by a Scythian or Paphlagonian mother.

His father being satrap of Cilicia under Artaxerxes II, and high in the favor of that monarch, Datames became one of the king's bodyguards.

Having in this capacity distinguished himself in the war against the Cadusii, he was appointed to succeed his father (who had fallen in that war) in the government of his province.

Here he distinguishes himself both by his military abilities and his zeal in the service of the king; and reduces to subjection two officials who had revolted from Artaxerxes, Thyus, governor of Paphlagonia, and Aspis of Cataonia.

He is in consequence entrusted by the Persian king with the chief command of a force designed for the recovery of Egypt; but the machinations of his enemies at the Persian court, and the risks to which he is in consequence exposed, induce him to change his plan, and throw off his allegiance to the king (c. 370 BCE).

He withdraws with the troops under his command into Cappadocia, and makes common cause with the other satraps who have revolted from Persia (the "Satraps' Revolt").

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