Nikostratos (Persian general)

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nikostratus was in the fourth century BC. A Greek general who came from Argos and who was under Artaxerxes III. briefly worked in the Persian army.

The Greek historian Diodorus reports in connection with the revolt of the Sidonian king Tennes around 346/345 BC. As well as from the preparations for the later campaign against Egypt, that in the army of Artaxerxes III. 10,000 Greeks were integrated, including 4,000 mercenaries from various Greek cities at the special request of the Persian Great King. Of these 4,000 mercenaries, Nikostratos is said to have commanded 3,000 Greeks.

According to Diodor, Nikostratus should be in the Artaxerxes III. in winter 342/341 BC Waged conquest battle against Egypt together with the Persian Chiliarch Aristazanes led one of the three attacking armies that first attacked Pharaoh Nectanebos II , while Artaxerxes III. should have initially kept in the background. The armed forces of Nikostratos and Aristazanes are 5,000 elite soldiers (more so in 2000 than some years ago) and 80  triremes (be the 346/345 v. Chr. In connection with Nikostratos not mentioned) have included.

In imitation of the mythical hero Heracles , Nikostratos allegedly appeared in acts of war with a lion's skin and club.

Diodorus' glorification of Greek generals and soldiers is striking. In his stories, they are repeatedly called upon on the front line of war for particularly difficult tasks, and their tactical advice is also asked for. Diodorus denies these qualities to the Persians, Egyptians or Sidonians, because they are the ones in need of Greek help. The information provided by Diodorus is therefore very questionable, which is why a reliable historical confirmation of the details described cannot be made.

337 BC Chr. Nikostratos is attested again in Argos, where he emerged as a political competitor of Phayllos .

literature

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Diodorus 16.44.2 .
  2. ^ A b Pierre Briant: From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire . Pp. 784-785; referring to Diodorus 16.47.3 .
  3. ↑ Plutarch , Moralia 192a; 535a; 714ad; 760ab.
personal data
SURNAME Nikostratos
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Nicostratus (Latinized)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Greek general
DATE OF BIRTH 4th century BC Chr.
DATE OF DEATH 4th century BC Chr.