Nabarza'nes
（
Ναβαρζάνης), a Persian in the service of Dareits.
He is first spoken of by Q. Curtius on the occasion of his sending a letter to Sisines, a Persian attached to
Alexander, exhorting him apparently to contrive his assassination. Nabarzanes commanded the Persian cavalry on the right wing at the battle of Issus.
Afterwards, when the fortunes of Dareius seemed desperate, Nabarzanes joined Bessus and Barsaentes in plotting either to kill Dareius, or to give him up to
Alexander.
In a council held after quitting Ecbatana, he had the audacity to propose that Dareius should retire into one of the remote provinces of the empire, and for a time resign his authority as king into the hands of Bessus. Dareius was so incensed at the proposal, that he drew his scimitar, and was with difficulty prevented from killing Nabarzanes on the spot.
The conspirators now resolved to seize Dareius, who, notwithstanding that their designs were discovered by Patron, and made known to the king, refused to take refuge among the Greek mercenaries.
By command of Bessus, Dareius was seized, and thrown into chains, and murdered, when they were overtaken by
Alexander. Nabarzanes fled into Hyrcania; and when
Alexander reached the river Ziobaris or Stiboetes, sent a letter to him, offering to surrender himself if assured of personal safety.
This was promised him, upon which he gave himself up, bringing with him a large amount of presents, among which was the beautiful eunuch Bagoas [BAGOAS], through whose entreaties mainly
Alexander was induced to pardon Nabarzanes. Of his further fate we have no notice. (Q.
Curt. 3.9.1,
7.22,
5.9.2,
10.1, &c., 11.8, 12.15, 13.18, 6.3.9, 4.8, 5.22; Arrian, 3.21.)
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C.P.M]
