Phraortes:
son of Upadaranma, rebel leader from Media, who
rose against the Persian king Darius after
he had killed the Magian Gaumâta
and left Media. His rebellion started in December 522 BC, but he was defeated
in the South near Marush (near modern Yazd) on January 12, 521 by a Persian
army led by Hydarnes. The Persians were unable
to exploit their victory, until Darius decided to solve the problem personally.
In May, he invaded Media from the West, and defeated Phraortes near Kundurush
(modern Kangâvar?). The Median king fled to Ragae (modern Teheran),
where he was caught. Darius writes in the Behistun inscription that he
personally cut off his nose, ears and tongue, put out his eyes, and had
him crucified in Ecbatana. The monument shows him before the mutilation
(picture).