In 522 BC, Cambyses, the Persian king, suddenly died while returning to Persia. How did he die? Where did it happen? These questions have long puzzled historians. The ancient Egyptians believed that Cambyses was punished by the gods for killing the sacred bull, Apis. According to Herodotus, Cambyses was severely injured after stabbing Apis during his time in Egypt, and ultimately died from an infection while returning home. However, modern scholars have questioned this account, suggesting possibilities of suicide, natural causes, or even murder.
The Persian king Darius left an inscription on the Behistun Rock that refers to Cambyses with the phrase "UVāMARSIYUSAMARIYATā." This phrase has been interpreted in various ways: some believe it means "suicide," others suggest "natural death," while some interpret it as "death by his own hand." These differing interpretations reflect the varying perspectives of the Persians regarding Cambyses.
There are also multiple theories regarding the location of Cambyses' death. Herodotus mentions that he died in Agbatana, Syria, but modern scholars believe this may be a misinterpretation. Other proposed locations include Babylon, Agbatana in Media, and Damascus.
