![Relief on the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace] from the ruins at Persepolis, “the Persian City”, ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Deriv](https://members.ancient-origins.net/sites/default/files/Darius-Hijack.jpg)
Did Darius Hijack the Persian Throne? Destroying Rebellion and Securing the Future – Part II
With the death of King Cambyses II, the Persian Empire was in a state of war and confusion over who was the rightful heir. Even though the populace agreed that Gaumata was the rightful heir to the throne, Darius, royal bodyguard, saw it differently and was strong enough to place himself upon the throne of Persia. But before Darius the Great could sit quietly and at ease upon his throne, he said:
these are the provinces that became rebellious from me: Persia, Elam, Media, Assyria, Egypt, Parthia, Margiana, Sattagydia, Scythia.
Illustration of Darius with his Parasol Bearers. 1904. (Public Domain)
The Fate of the Rebels
Sketch showing details of Darius I the Great's Behistun Inscription revealing the fate of those who rebelled against Darius’ rule. (Public Domain)
Yahyazdata
The first leader and province focused on was Persia, and the man that led that rebellion was named Yahyazdata. According to Darius’ Behistun Inscription, Yahyazdata came from Yautiya, which was a district in Persia. Yahyazdata had also claimed he was Bardiya.
Fravartish
