| Ariobarzan II of Persia | |
|---|---|
| Born | 368 BC Persepolis |
| Died | January 20, 330 BC Persian Gates |
| Parents | Artabazus |
Ariobarzan also spelled as Ario Barzan or Aryo Barzan, perhaps signifying "exalting the Aryans" [1]was a Persian satrap and military commander. He is best known for commanding the Persian army at the Battle of the Persian Gate against Alexander of Macedonia in the winter of 330 BC.
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a Satrap [2]
Though the exact birth-date of Ariobarzan is unknown, it is speculated that he was born around 368 BC. Ariobarzan was made satrap of Persis (the southern province of Fars in present-day Iran) in 335 BC by Darius III. For many researchers it is surprising that Darius III Codomannus had appointed a satrap for Persepolis and Persis. It seems that previously, this office did not exist. Ariobarzan commanded part of the Persian Army fighting against the Ancient Macedonians at Gaugamela in 331 BC.
Following the Persian defeat at Gaugamela, Darius realized he could not defend his capital Persepolis and travelled east to rebuild his armies, leaving Ariobarzan in command. Meanwhile Alexander split his army and led his 14,000 strong force towards the Persian capital via the Persian Gates. There Ariobarzan successfully ambushed Alexander's army, inflicting heavy casualties. The Persian success at the Battle of the Persian Gate was short lived though; after being held off for 30 days Alexander outflanked and destroyed the defenders. Ariobarzan himself was killed either during the battle or during the retreat to Persepolis.
Some sources indicate that the Persian were betrayed by a captured tribal chief who showed the Macedonians an alternate path that allowed them to outflank Ariobarzan.