Oxyartes (Old Persian: 𐎢𐎺𐎧𐏁𐎫𐎼,Greek:Ὀξυάρτης, inPersian:وخشارد ("Vaxš-ard"), from an unattested form in anOld Iranian language:*Huxšaθra-[1]) was aSogdian[2][3] orBactrian[4] nobleman ofBactria, father ofRoxana, the wife ofAlexander of Macedon.
He is first mentioned as one of the chiefs who accompaniedBessus on his retreat across theOxus river intoSogdiana (329 BC).[5] After the death of Bessus, Oxyartes deposited his wife and daughters for safety in arock fortress in Sogdiana, which was deemed impregnable, but nevertheless soon fell into the hands of Alexander's forces. Alexander not only treated his captives with respect and attention, but was so charmed with the beauty of Roxana as to decide that he wanted to make her his wife. Oxyartes, on learning these tidings, is said to have hastened to make his submission to Alexander, who received him with the utmost distinction. The nuptials of his daughter with the king in 327 BC were celebrated with a magnificent feast.[6]
Shortly after this event, Oxyartes successfully persuaded Chorienes to surrender his rock fortress. Subsequently, he was appointed by Alexander assatrap of the province ofParopamisadae.[7] He continued to hold this position until the death of Alexander (323 BC). Oxyartes was confirmed in his position both in the first division of the provinces immediately after Alexander's death, thePartition of Babylon (323 BC), and in the subsequent division decided atTriparadisus in 321 BC.[8]
Later on Oxyartes sent a small force to supportEumenes; but after the death of that general in 316 BC after theBattle of Gabiene, he seems to have come to terms withAntigonus, who was content to take on the role of confirming Oxyartes in his position as he would have found it difficult to dispossess Oxyartes even if he had wanted to.[9]
It seems probable that Oxyartes must have died beforeSeleucus' diplomatic/military foray into South Asia, as Seleucus ceded Paropamisadae toChandragupta Maurya without any mention of Oxyartes.[10]
Rulers in theAchaemenid Empire | ||
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Family tree - Achaemenid Kingdom | ||
| Kings of Kings of theAchaemenid Empire |  | |
| Satraps ofLydia | ||
| Satraps ofHellespontine Phrygia | ||
| Satraps ofCappadocia | ||
| Greek Governors ofAsia Minor cities | ||
| Dynasts ofLycia | ||
| Dynasts ofCaria | ||
| Kings ofMacedonia | ||
| Kings of Tyre | ||
| Kings of Sidon |
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| Satraps ofArmenia | ||
| Satraps ofEgypt | ||
| Satraps ofBactria | ||
| Satraps ofMedia | ||
| Satraps ofCilicia | ||
| Other known satraps | ||
In most territories, Achaemenid rulers were succeeded byHellenistic satraps andHellenistic rulers from around 330 BC | ||
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Smith, William, ed. (1870). "Oxyartes (2)".Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.