Orxines
（
Ὀρξίνης), a noble and wealthy Persian, who traced his descent from Cyrus.
He was present at the battle of Gaugamela, when, together with Orontobates, he commanded the troops which came from the shores of the Persian Gulf. Subsequently, during the absence of
Alexander (B. C. 325), on the death of Phrasaortes, the satrap of Persis, Orxines assumed the government, and on the return of
Alexander came to meet him with costly presents.
Alexander does not appear to have been incensed at this usurpation, in which indeed Orxines seems to have been actuated by loyal intentions towards
Alexander.
But the sepulchre of Cyrus at Pasargadae had been violated and pillaged, and the enemies of Orxines seem to have laid hold of this for the purpose of securing his ruin.
He was charged with that and other acts of sacrilege, as well as with having abused his power. Arrian says nothing of the charge being unfounded, but Curtius represents Orxines (or Orsines, as he calls him) as the victim of calumny and intrigue. However that may have been, he was crucified by order of
Alexander. (Arrian, 3.8.8, 6.29.3;
Curt. 4.12.8,
10.1. §§ 22, 29, 37.)
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C.P.M]
