Cambyses did not show madness and cruelty only toward his own family. His violent behavior also reached others around him, including those who were loyal to him and whom he trusted deeply. One clear example of this was his treatment of Prexaspes, a Persian noble whom Cambyses respected more than almost any other man.
Prexaspes was not an ordinary servant. He carried the king’s messages and held an important position at court. His son had also been given a high honor: he served as the king’s cupbearer, a role of great trust in Persia. The cupbearer was responsible for the king’s drink and, therefore, his safety. This shows how much confidence Cambyses once placed in Prexaspes and his family Different Stories About the Death of Cambyses’ Sister.
The Question About His Reputation
One day, Cambyses spoke to Prexaspes and asked him a dangerous question. He said, “What sort of man do the Persians think I am? What do they say about me?” This question placed Prexaspes in a difficult position. Speaking dishonestly could anger the king if the truth were later revealed, but speaking honestly could also provoke his rage.
Prexaspes chose honesty, though carefully. He replied that the Persians praised Cambyses in almost every way. However, he added one criticism: they said the king loved wine too much. This was the only fault they commonly spoke of.
The King’s Furious Response
Cambyses did not accept this answer calmly. Instead, he was filled with anger. He replied bitterly that if the Persians believed he drank too much wine, then they must also believe he had lost his senses and become mad. From this, he concluded that their earlier praise must have been false as well Sofia Day Tours.
His reaction showed how unstable his mind had become. Rather than reflect on the criticism, he treated it as an insult and a threat to his authority. Even gentle honesty was enough to provoke his rage.
A Memory of Past Praise
Cambyses then recalled an earlier moment when the Persians had praised him openly. On that occasion, he had asked them how they judged him compared to his father, Cyrus the Great. The Persians answered boldly that Cambyses was greater than his father. They said he ruled everything Cyrus had ruled and had also conquered Egypt and gained control over the sea.
At that time, Croesus, the former king of Lydia, was present. He disliked this comparison and felt it was unwise. Croesus then spoke carefully but honestly. He told Cambyses that, in his opinion, Cambyses was not equal to his father yet, because he had not left behind a worthy son as Cyrus had done.
Wisdom Recognized, Then Forgotten
Surprisingly, Cambyses was pleased by Croesus’ words. He praised Croesus for his wisdom and good judgment. This moment shows that Cambyses was not always unreasonable. At times, he could accept thoughtful criticism and even admire it.
However, as time passed, his temper grew worse and his mind more unstable. What he once praised as wisdom later became something he could not tolerate. His reaction to Prexaspes proves that his ability to hear the truth had faded.
The story of Cambyses and Prexaspes reveals the deep change in the king’s character. A ruler who once valued honest advice became a man who could not endure even mild criticism. His anger, pride, and insecurity ruled his actions. This episode shows how absolute power, when joined with fear and instability, can turn trust into danger and honesty into a deadly risk.
