Vahyazdâta:
Persian nobleman. In 525 BC, king Cambyses
had conquered
Egypt, and before he left, he had
had his brother Smerdis executed. However, a
look-alike named Gaumâta had been able
to proclaim himself king; his rebellion was suppressed in September 522
by a new Persian king, Darius. Immediately,
new rebellions started, and while Darius was occupied in Babylonia
and Media, Vahyazdâta
proclaimed himself king, saying that he was the real Smerdis, and gained
support in Arachosia. He was defeated by Darius'
general Artavardiya on May 24 near Rakhâ (modern Behbehân),
and a second time on July 15 near the mountain Paraga (near the modern
town Forg). Vahyazdâta was captured and crucified.
He is represented on the the monument at Behistun
(picture).