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Ordumanesh

Background

Ordumanesh (or Artyphius) is a lesser-known historical figure associated with the Achaemenid Empire, specifically mentioned in classical sources. The information about him is quite limited, but here is an overview of what is known and the context of his role in the Achaemenid administrative and military systems. Ordumanesh was an Iranian noble man during Achaemenid Empire. on 522 BC he gave throne to King Darius of Persian by killing Gaumata who pretended him self to Bardiya, son of Cyrus the Great.

Background

1. Name and Identification:

   • The name Ordumanesh (or Artyphius) appears in classical sources, and like many Persian names from the period, it may have multiple transliterations due to variations in Greek, Latin, and other ancient languages.

2. Achaemenid Empire:

   • The Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, spanned from the mid-6th century BCE to its conquest by Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BCE. It was known for its sophisticated administrative system and powerful military.

Role and Significance

1. Military Leadership:

   • Ordumanesh (Artyphius) is mentioned as a commander in the Persian military, specifically during the campaigns of Darius I and Xerxes I. He likely held a significant command position, contributing to the military strategies of the empire.
   • His role would have involved leading troops, planning military campaigns, and possibly managing logistics and supplies for the army.

2. Campaigns and Battles:

   • Ordumanesh's name is associated with several key battles and military campaigns. The exact details of his involvement are sparse, but he would have played a part in the Persian efforts to maintain and expand their territorial control.
   • One of the notable campaigns he might have been involved in includes the Greco-Persian Wars, particularly the invasions of Greece under Darius I and Xerxes I.

Classical Sources

1. Herodotus and Other Historians:
   • The primary sources of information about Ordumanesh come from Greek historians such as Herodotus. These accounts provide insights into the Achaemenid military and its leaders, though they may be biased or incomplete.
   • Herodotus often mentioned Persian commanders in the context of their campaigns against the Greeks, providing valuable, albeit sometimes skewed, historical details.

Historical Context

1. Achaemenid Administration:

   • The Achaemenid Empire was divided into satrapies, each governed by a satrap who oversaw local administration and military defense. Military commanders like Ordumanesh would have been crucial in supporting these satraps.
   • The Persian military was known for its organization, discipline, and the ability to mobilize large armies quickly, traits that leaders like Ordumanesh would have helped to implement and maintain.

2. Military Strategies:

   • Persian military strategies often involved using a combination of cavalry, infantry, and naval forces. Commanders like Ordumanesh would have been responsible for coordinating these diverse units and ensuring their effectiveness in battle.
   • The use of diverse troops from various parts of the empire, including archers, charioteers, and heavily armed infantry, would have required skilled leadership and logistical planning.

Legacy

1. Contributions to the Empire:

   • While Ordumanesh may not be as well-known as other Persian leaders, his contributions would have been significant in maintaining the military prowess of the Achaemenid Empire.
   • Commanders like him played crucial roles in both the expansion and defense of the empire’s vast territories, ensuring the Achaemenid dominance in the ancient world.

2. Historical Recognition:

   • The limited information about Ordumanesh highlights the challenges historians face in reconstructing the full picture of ancient military and administrative roles. However, his mention in classical sources indicates his importance in the Persian military hierarchy.

Conclusion

Ordumanesh (or Artyphius) was a significant military commander in the Achaemenid Empire, playing a crucial role in its military campaigns and administration. Although detailed information about his life and achievements is scarce, his involvement in key battles and campaigns underscores the importance of skilled leadership in the success and maintenance of the Persian Empire. The recognition of figures like Ordumanesh in classical sources highlights their contributions to one of history’s most powerful and influential empires.

References:

Herodotus. Histories. Academy of literature and art of Iran. pp. 204, 213, 381.