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Achaemenes was an Achaemenid general and
satrap of ancient Egypt during the early 5th century, at the time of the 27th
Dynasty of Egypt.
Career:
A son of king Darius I by his queen Atossa and thus a full brother of Xerxes I,
Achaemenes was appointed satrap of Egypt some time between 486 and 484, shortly
after Xerxes' accession. At the time, Egypt was revolting against Achaemenid
rule, and it appears likely that the previous satrap Pherendates lost his life
in the turmoil. The rebellion, possibly led by a self-proclaimed pharaoh named
Psammetichus IV, was eventually quelled by Achaemenes around 484. After the
victory, Achaemenes adopted a more repressive policy in order to discourage new
rebellions, although the effect was actually the opposite. When Xerxes launched
the second Persian invasion of Greece (480–479), Achaemenes was called to
arms at the head of the Persian-allied Egyptian fleet and took part in the
battle of Salamis (480). Achaemenes survived the defeat, and was sent back to
Egypt in order to resume his duties as satrap. In 460, under the leadership of
a native prince named Inaros, Egypt revolted once more against Persian rule.
Achaemenes confronted Inaros in the Battle of Papremis (459) but was defeated
and slain. Achaemenes' body was sent to king Artaxerxes I as an admonition.
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