基本介紹
- 中文名：貝希斯敦銘文
- 外文名：Bagastana
- 作者：大流士一世
- 時間：公元前522年
概述,內容,延伸閱讀,
概述
1835年為英國學者羅林生發現。這是波斯國王大流士一世在位時所立石刻，用三種文字(古波斯文、新埃蘭文和巴比倫文)銘記他鎮壓高墨達政變和各地人民起義以及他取得王位的經過。 在浮雕中處於顯眼地方的就是智慧與善良之神"阿胡拉馬茲達"。聯繫到在銘文中這位尊神的名字被大流士提到了76次，我們不難看出在銘文當日這位尊神的顯赫地位。再想一想，大流士加給他敵人的罪名每人都少不了"lie"，我們就可以得出結論說，大流士這是在說他的敵人都是代表著黑暗、謊言、飢餓、貪婪、仇恨、疾病、死亡的阿赫里曼的信徒，而他大流士自己則正向他曾宣稱的那樣，是代表美德、智慧、純潔、真誠的阿胡拉·馬茲達的信徒（關於這兩種神的衝突，見伊朗古代拜火教神話之創世記一節，其中的霍爾莫茲德（Hurmuzd）就是大流士的阿胡拉馬茲達）。多美妙的構想，大流士在不經意間給自己又披起了一層神聖的外衣！浮雕中的阿胡拉馬茲達高度從冠頂到所乘神輦的底部是3英尺9英寸（114.3cm），兩翼的聖光總寬（127cm）其聖光底部距叛王頭頂最近處為6.5英寸（16.5cm）。雕像中的阿胡拉馬茲達面生美髯，頭戴一有角高帽，面朝國王立於聖光閃耀的太陽圓盤之中。太陽圓盤向四周發出光芒，在大約225°和315°方向還射出兩道三叉戟狀閃電。大神雙手腕部帶鐲，右手舉起現出掌心，左手持一環（不知為何物？）。大神身穿簡樸寬袖的白袍，只是在腰間扎了一根帶--模樣頗像一個穆護僧人。
至於那10個不幸的俘囚，他們都是雙手被縛於身後，頸繫繩索，愁眉苦臉。他們的雕刻風格，也是基本寫實的（被割掉鼻子耳朵的尤其如此，是按照處刑以前的模樣記錄的），他們的身高只有3英尺10英寸（117cm）。從被大流士踩在腳底的高墨達算起，從左到右依次是：高墨達、阿辛納、尼丁圖·貝爾、弗拉歐爾鐵斯、馬爾提亞、特里坦塔伊赫米斯、瓦希亞茲達塔、阿爾哈、弗拉達、思昆卡（增補）。應當指出的是，除思昆卡外，所有的叛王的排列順序是依照被處死的時間先後的。在浮雕邊上還有三種文字的銘文12段（內容與銘文多有相同）。現按照上圖中的標號摘錄於下：
內容
銘文A：分四段：
I. I am Darius, the great king, king of kings, the king of Persia, the king of countries, the son of Hystaspes, the grandson of Arsames, the Achaemenian.
II. Thus said Darius, the King: My father is Hystaspes; the father of Hystaspes was Arsames; the father of Arsames was Ariaramnes; the father of Ariaramnes was Teispes; the father of Teispes was Achaemenes.
III. Thus said Darius, the King: That is why we are called Achaemenians; from antiquity we have been nobel; from antiquity has our race been royal.
IV. Thus said Darius, the King: Eight of my race were kings before me; I am the ninth. In two lines have we been kings. (or: Nine in succession we have been kings.)
(完全等同於銘文的第一至第四段)
銘文B：This Gaumata, the Magian, lied, saying:"I am Smerdis, the son of Cyrus; I am king."
銘文C：This Atrina lied, saying:"I am king of Elam."
銘文D：This Nidintu-Bel lied, saying:"I am Nebuchadnezzar, the son of Nabonidus; I am king of Babylon."
銘文E：This Phraortes lied, saying:"I am Khshathrita, of the family of Cyaxares; I am king of Media."
銘文F：This Martiya lied, saying:" I am Ummanish, king of Elam."
銘文G：This Citrantakhma lied, saying:"I am king of Sagatia, of the race of Cyaxares."
銘文H：This Vahyazdata lied, saying:"I am Smerdis, the son of Cyrus; I am king."
銘文I：This Arakha lied, saying:"I am Nebuchadnezzar, the son of Nabonidus; I am king of Babylon."
銘文J：This Frada lied, saying :"I am king of Margiana"
銘文K：This is Skunka, the Scythian.
銘文L：模糊，略等同銘文第70段，且只有埃蘭文版本。
By the grace of Ahuramazda this is the inscription which I have made. Besides, it was in Aryan script, and it was composed on clay tablets and on parchment. Besides, a sculptured figure of myself I made. Besides, I made my lineage. And it was inscribed and was read off before me. Afterwards this inscription I sent off everywhere among the provinces. The people unitedly worked upon it.
偉大的神阿胡拉馬茲達，他創造了這大地、天空。他創造了人類和人類的幸福。他立大流士為王，使之成為眾王之王，眾號令者之號令者。
A great god is Ahuramazda, who created this earth, who created yonder sky, who created man, who created happiness for man, who made Darius king, one king of many, one lord of many.。
大流士Naqas-i-Rustam銘文
貝希斯敦銘文英譯版全文：
Introduction:Darius'stitlesandtheextentofhisempire
* (1)IamDarius[Dâryavuš] ,thegreatking,kingofkings,thekingofPersia[Pârsa] ,thekingofcountries,thesonofHystaspes,thegrandsonofArsames,theAchaemenid.
* (2)KingDariussays:MyfatherisHystaspes[Vištâspa] ;thefatherofHystaspeswasArsames[Aršâma] ;thefatherofArsameswasAriaramnes[Ariyâramna] ;thefatherofAriaramneswasTeispes[Cišpiš] ;thefatherofTeispeswasAchaemenes[Haxâmaniš] .
* (3)KingDariussays:ThatiswhywearecalledAchaemenids;fromantiquitywehavebeennoble;fromantiquityhasourdynastybeenroyal.
* (4)KingDariussays:Eightofmydynastywerekingsbeforeme;Iamtheninth.Nineinsuccessionwehavebeenkings.
* (5)KingDariussays:BythegraceofAhuramazdaamIking;Ahuramazdahasgrantedmethekingdom.
* (6)KingDariussays:Thesearethecountrieswhicharesubjectuntome,andbythegraceofAhuramazdaIbecamekingofthem:Persia[Pârsa] ,Elam[Ûvja] ,Babylonia[Bâbiruš] ,Assyria[Ahurâ] ,Arabia[Arabâya] ,Egypt[Mudrâya] ,thecountriesbytheSea,Lydia[Sparda] ,theGreeks[Yauna] ,Media[Mâda] ,Armenia[Armina] ,Cappadocia[Katpatuka] ,Parthia[Parthava] ,Drangiana[Zraka] ,Aria[Haraiva] ,Chorasmia[Uvârazmîy] ,Bactria[Bâxtriš] ,Sogdia[Suguda] ,Gandara[Gadâra] ,Scythia[Saka] ,Sattagydia[Thataguš] ,Arachosia[Harauvatiš]andMaka[Maka] ;twenty-threelandsinall.
* (7)KingDariussays:Thesearethecountrieswhicharesubjecttome;bythegraceofAhuramazdatheybecamesubjecttome;theybroughttributeuntome.Whatsoevercommandshavebeenlaidonthembyme,bynightorbyday,havebeenperformedbythem.
* (6)KingDariussays:Thesearethecountrieswhicharesubjectuntome,andbythegraceofAhuramazdaIbecamekingofthem:Persia[Pârsa] ,Elam[Ûvja] ,Babylonia[Bâbiruš] ,Assyria[Ahurâ] ,Arabia[Arabâya] ,Egypt[Mudrâya] ,thecountriesbytheSea,Lydia[Sparda] ,theGreeks[Yauna] ,Media[Mâda] ,Armenia[Armina] ,Cappadocia[Katpatuka] ,Parthia[Parthava] ,Drangiana[Zraka] ,Aria[Haraiva] ,Chorasmia[Uvârazmîy] ,Bactria[Bâxtriš] ,Sogdia[Suguda] ,Gandara[Gadâra] ,Scythia[Saka] ,Sattagydia[Thataguš] ,Arachosia[Harauvatiš]andMaka[Maka] ;twenty-threelandsinall.
* (7)KingDariussays:Thesearethecountrieswhicharesubjecttome;bythegraceofAhuramazdatheybecamesubjecttome;theybroughttributeuntome.Whatsoevercommandshavebeenlaidonthembyme,bynightorbyday,havebeenperformedbythem.
* (8)KingDariussays:Withintheselands,whosoeverwasafriend,himhaveIsurelyprotected;whosoeverwashostile,himhaveIutterlydestroyed.BythegraceofAhuramazdatheselandshaveconformedtomydecrees;asitwascommandeduntothembyme,sowasitdone.
* (9)KingDariussays:Ahuramazdahasgranteduntomethisempire.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp,untilIgainedthisempire;bythegraceofAhuramazdadoIholdthisempire.
MurderofSmerdisandcoupofGaumâtatheMagian
* (10)KingDariussays:ThefollowingiswhatwasdonebymeafterIbecameking.AsonofCyrus[Kûruš] ,namedCambyses[Kabûjiya] ,oneofourdynasty,waskingherebeforeme.ThatCambyseshadabrother,Smerdis[Bardiya]byname,ofthesamemotherandthesamefatherasCambyses.Afterwards,CambysesslewthisSmerdis.WhenCambysesslewSmerdis,itwasnotknownuntothepeoplethatSmerdiswasslain.ThereuponCambyseswenttoEgypt.WhenCambyseshaddepartedintoEgypt,thepeoplebecamehostile,andtheliemultipliedintheland,eveninPersiaandMedia,andintheotherprovinces.
* (11)KingDariussays:Afterwards,therewasacertainman,aMagian[maguš] ,Gaumâtabyname,whoraisedarebellioninPaishiyauvada,inamountaincalledArakadriš.OnthefourteenthdayofthemonthViyaxana(11March522)didherebel.Heliedtothepeople,saying:'IamSmerdis,thesonofCyrus,thebrotherofCambyses.'Thenwereallthepeopleinrevolt,andfromCambysestheywentoveruntohim,bothPersiaandMedia,andtheotherprovinces.Heseizedthekingdom;ontheninthdayofthemonthGarmapada(1July522BC)heseizedthekingdom.Afterwards,Cambysesdiedofnaturalcauses.
* (12)KingDariussays:ThekingdomofwhichGaumâta,theMagian,dispossessedCambyses,hadalwaysbelongedtoourdynasty.AfterthatGaumâta,theMagian,haddispossessedCambysesofPersiaandMedia,andoftheotherprovinces,hedidaccordingtohiswill.Hebecameking.
DariuskillsGaumâtaandrestoresthekingdom
* (13)KingDariussays:Therewasnoman,eitherPersianorMedeorofourowndynasty,whotookthekingdomfromGaumâta,theMagian.Thepeoplefearedhimexceedingly,forheslewmanywhohadknowntherealSmerdis.Forthisreasondidheslaythem, 'thattheymaynotknowthatIamnotSmerdis,thesonofCyrus.'TherewasnonewhodaredtoactagainstGaumâta,theMagian,untilIcame.ThenIprayedtoAhuramazda;Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp.OnthetenthdayofthemonthBâgayâdiš[29September522]I,withafewmen,slewthatGaumâta,theMagian,andthechiefmenwhowerehisfollowers.AtthestrongholdcalledSikayauvatiš,inthedistrictcalledNisaiainMedia,Islewhim;Idispossessedhimofthekingdom.BythegraceofAhuramazdaIbecameking;Ahuramazdagrantedmethekingdom.
* (14)KingDariussays:ThekingdomthathadbeenwrestedfromourlineIbroughtbackandIreestablisheditonitsfoundation.ThetempleswhichGaumâta,theMagian,haddestroyed,Irestoredtothepeople,andthepasturelands,andtheherdsandthedwellingplaces,andthehouseswhichGaumâta,theMagian,hadtakenaway.Isettledthepeopleintheirplace,thepeopleofPersia,andMedia,andtheotherprovinces.Irestoredthatwhichhadbeentakenaway,asiswasinthedaysofold.ThisdidIbythegraceofAhuramazda,IlaboreduntilIhadestablishedourdynastyinitsplace,asinthedaysofold;Ilabored,bythegraceofAhuramazda,sothatGaumâta,theMagian,didnotdispossessourhouse.
* (15)KingDariussays:ThiswaswhatIdidafterIbecameking.
* (15)KingDariussays:ThiswaswhatIdidafterIbecameking.
RebellionsofššinaofElamandNidintu-BêlofBabylon
* (16)KingDariussays:AfterIhadslainGaumâta,theMagian,acertainmannamedššina,thesonofUpadarma,raisedarebellioninElam,andhespokethusuntothepeopleofElam:'IamkinginElam.'ThereuponthepeopleofElambecamerebellious,andtheywentoveruntothatššina:hebecamekinginElam.AndacertainBabyloniannamedNidintu-Bêl,thesonofKîn-Zêr,raisedarebellioninBabylon:heliedtothepeople,saying:'IamNebuchadnezzar,thesonofNabonidus.'ThendidalltheprovinceofBabyloniagoovertoNidintu-Bêl,andBabyloniaroseinrebellion.HeseizedonthekingdomofBabylonia(3October522).
* (17)KingDariussays:ThenIsent(anenvoy?)toElam.Thatššinawasbroughtuntomeinfetters,andIkilledhim.
* (18)KingDariussays:ThenImarchedmarchedagainstthatNidintu-Bêl,whocalledhimselfNebuchadnezzar.ThearmyofNidintu-BêlheldtheTigris;thereittookitsstand,andonaccountofthewaters(theriver)wasunfordable.ThereuponIsupportedmyarmyon(inflated)skins,othersImadedromedary-borne,fortherestIbroughthorses.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdawecrossedtheTigris.ThendidIutterlyoverthrowthathostofNidintu-Bêl.Onthetwenty-sixthdayofthemonthÂçiyâdiya[13December522]wejoinedbattle.
* (18)KingDariussays:ThenImarchedmarchedagainstthatNidintu-Bêl,whocalledhimselfNebuchadnezzar.ThearmyofNidintu-BêlheldtheTigris;thereittookitsstand,andonaccountofthewaters(theriver)wasunfordable.ThereuponIsupportedmyarmyon(inflated)skins,othersImadedromedary-borne,fortherestIbroughthorses.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdawecrossedtheTigris.ThendidIutterlyoverthrowthathostofNidintu-Bêl.Onthetwenty-sixthdayofthemonthÂçiyâdiya[13December522]wejoinedbattle.
* (19)KingDariussays:AfterthatImarchedagainstBabylon.ButbeforeIreachedBabylon,thatNidintu-Bêl,whocalledhimselfNebuchadnezzar,camewithahostandofferedbattleatacitycalledZâzâna,ontheEuphrates.Thenwejoinedbattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdadidIutterlyoverthrowthehostofNidintu-Bêl.Theenemyfledintothewater;thewatercarriedthemaway.OntheseconddayofthemonthAnâmaka(18December522)wejoinedbattle.
=Columntwo=
* (20)KingDariussays:ThendidNidintu-BêlfleewithafewhorsemenintoBabylon.ThereuponImarchedtoBabylon.BythegraceofAhuramazdaItookBabylon,andcapturedNidintu-Bêl.ThenIslewthatNidintu-BêlinBabylon.
* (21)KingDariussays:WhileIwasinBabylon,theseprovincesrevoltedfromme:Persia,Elam,Media,Assyria,Egypt,Parthia,Margiana[Marguš] ,Sattagydia[Thataguš] ,andScythia[Saka] .
RevoltofMartiyaofElam
* (22)KingDariussays:AcertainmannamedMartiya,thesonofZinzakriš,dweltinacityinPersiacalledKuganakâ.ThismanrevoltedinElam,andhesaidtothepeople:'IamUmmaniš,kinginElam.'
* (23)KingDariussays:Atthattime,IwasfriendlywithElam.ThentherewereElamitesafraidofme,andthatMartiya,whowastheirleader,theyseizedandslew.
RevoltofPhraortesofMedia
* (24)KingDariussays:AcertainMedenamedPhraortesrevoltedinMedia,andhesaidtothepeople:'IamKhshathrita,ofthefamilyofCyaxares.'ThendidtheMedeswhowereinthepalacerevoltfrommeandgoovertoPhraortes.HebecamekinginMedia.
* (25)KingDariussays:ThePersianandMedianarmy,whichwaswithme,wassmall.YetIsentforthan(other)army.APersiannamedHydarnes,myservant,Imadetheirleader,andIsaiduntohim:'Go,smitethatMedianhostwhichdoesnotacknowledgeme.'ThenHydarnesmarchedforthwiththearmy.WhenhehadcometoMedia,atacityinMediacalledMaruš,hegavebattletotheMedes.HewhowaschiefamongtheMedeswasnotthereatthattime.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp:bythegraceofAhuramazdamyarmyutterlydefeatedthatrebelhost.Onthetwenty-seventhdayofthemonthAnâmaka(12January521)thebattlewasfoughtbythem.ThendidmyarmyawaitmeinadistrictinMediacalledKampanda,untilIcameintoMedia.
RevoltoftheArmenians
* (26)KingDariussays:AnArmeniannamedDâdarši,myservant,IsentintoArmenia,andIsaiduntohim:'Go,smitethathostwhichisinrevoltanddoesnotacknowledgeme.'ThenDâdaršiwentforth.WhenhecameintoArmenia,therebelsassembledandadvancedagainstDâdaršitogivehimbattle.AtaplaceinArmeniacalledZuzzatheyfoughtthebattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdadidmyarmyutterlyoverthrowthatrebelhost.OntheeighthdayofthemonthThûravâhara(20May521BC)thebattlewasfoughtbythem.
* (27)KingDariussays:Therebelsassembledforthesecondtime,andtheyadvancedagainstDâdaršitogivehimbattle.AtastrongholdinArmeniacalledTigratheyjoinedbattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdadidmyarmyutterlyoverthrowthatrebelhost.OntheeighteenthdayofthemonthThûravâhara(30May521BC)thebattlewasfoughtbythem.
* (28)KingDariussays:TherebelsassembledforthethirdtimeandadvancedagainstDâdaršitogivehimbattle.AtastrongholdinArmeniacalledUyamâtheyjoinedbattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdadidmyarmyutterlyoverthrowthatrebelhost.OntheninthdayofthemonthThâigaciš(20June521BC)thebattlewasfoughtbythem.ThenDâdaršiwaitedformeinArmenia,untilIcameintoArmenia.
* (29)KingDariussays:APersiannamedVaumisa,myservant,IsentintoArmenia,andIsaiduntohim:'Go,smitethathostwhichisinrevolt,anddoesnotacknowledgeme.'ThenVaumisawentforth.WhenhehadcometoArmenia,therebelsassembledandadvancedagainstVaumisatogivehimbattle.AtaplaceinAssyriacalledIzalâtheyjoinedbattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdadidmyarmyutterlyoverthrowthatrebelhost.OnthefifteenthdayofthemonthAnâmaka(31December522BC)thebattlewasfoughtbythem.
* (30)KingDariussays:TherebelsassembledasecondtimeandadvancedagainstVaumisatogivehimbattle.AtaplaceinArmeniacalledAutiyâratheyjoinedbattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdadidmyarmyutterlyoverthrowthatrebelhost.AttheendofthemonthThûravâhara(11June521BC)thebattlewasfoughtbythem.ThenVaumisawaitedformeinArmenia,untilIcameintoArmenia.
EndoftherevoltoftheMedes
* (31)KingDariussays:ThenIwentforthfromBabylonandcameintoMedia.WhenIhadcometoMedia,thatPhraortes[Fravartiš] ,whocalledhimselfkinginMedia,cameagainstmeuntoacityinMediacalledKunduruš(Kangâvar?)toofferbattle.Thenwejoinedbattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdadidmyarmyutterlyoverthrowthatrebelhost.Onthetwenty-fifthdayofthemonthAdukanaiša(8May521BC)wefoughtthebattle.
* (32)KingDariussays:ThereuponthatPhraortesfledthencewithafewhorsemantoadistrictinMediacalledRhagae[Ragâ] .ThenIsentanarmyinpursuit.Phraorteswastakenandbroughtuntome.Icutoffhisnose,hisears,andhistongue,andIputoutoneeye,andhewaskeptinfettersatmypalaceentrance,andallthepeoplebeheldhim.ThendidIcrucifyhiminEcbatana[Hagmatâna] ;andthemenwhowerehisforemostfollowers,thoseatEcbatanawithinthefortress,Iflayedandhungouttheirhides,stuffedwithstraw.
* (33)KingDariussays:AmannamedTritantaechmes[Ciçataxma] ,aSagartian,revoltedfromme,sayingtohispeople:'IamkinginSagartia[Asagarta] ,ofthefamilyofCyaxares.'ThenIsentforthaPersianandaMedianarmy.AMedenamedTakhmaspâda,myservant,Imadetheirleader,andIsaiduntohim:'Go,smitethathostwhichisinrevolt,anddoesnotacknowledgeme.'ThereuponTakhmaspâdawentforthwiththearmy,andhefoughtabattlewithTritantaechmes.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyarmyutterlydefeatedthatrebelhost,andtheyseizedTritantaechmesandbroughthimuntome.AfterwardsIcutoffbothhisnoseandears,andputoutoneeye,hewaskeptboundatmypalaceentrance,allthepeoplesawhim.AfterwardsIcrucifiedhiminArbela.
* (33)KingDariussays:AmannamedTritantaechmes[Ciçataxma] ,aSagartian,revoltedfromme,sayingtohispeople:'IamkinginSagartia[Asagarta] ,ofthefamilyofCyaxares.'ThenIsentforthaPersianandaMedianarmy.AMedenamedTakhmaspâda,myservant,Imadetheirleader,andIsaiduntohim:'Go,smitethathostwhichisinrevolt,anddoesnotacknowledgeme.'ThereuponTakhmaspâdawentforthwiththearmy,andhefoughtabattlewithTritantaechmes.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyarmyutterlydefeatedthatrebelhost,andtheyseizedTritantaechmesandbroughthimuntome.AfterwardsIcutoffbothhisnoseandears,andputoutoneeye,hewaskeptboundatmypalaceentrance,allthepeoplesawhim.AfterwardsIcrucifiedhiminArbela.
RevoltoftheParthians
* (35)KingDariussays:TheParthians[Parthava]andHyrcanians[Varkâna]revoltedfromme,andtheydeclaredthemselvesonthesideofPhraortes[Fravarta] .MyfatherHystaspeswasinParthia;andthepeopleforsookhim;theybecamerebellious.ThenHystaspes[Vištâspa]marchedforthwiththetroopswhichhadremainedfaithful.AtacityinParthiacalledVišpauzâtišhefoughtabattlewiththeParthians.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyarmyutterlydefeatedthatrebelhost.OntheseconddayofthemonthViyaxana(8March521)thebattlewasfoughtbythem.
=Columnthree=
* (36)KingDariussays:ThendidIsendaPersianarmyuntoHystaspesfromRhagae.WhenthatarmyreachedHystaspes,hemarchedforthwiththehost.AtacityinParthiacalledPatigrabanâhegavebattletotherebels.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdaHystaspesutterlydefeatedthatrebelhost.OnthefirstdayofthemonthGarmapada(11July521)thebattlewasfoughtbythem.
* (37)KingDariussays:Thenwastheprovincemine.ThisiswhatdonebymeinParthia.
* (37)KingDariussays:Thenwastheprovincemine.ThisiswhatdonebymeinParthia.
FrâdaRevoltofFrâdaofMargiana
* (38)KingDariussays:TheprovincecalledMargiana[Marguš]revoltedagainstme.AcertainMargiannamedFrâdatheymadetheirleader.ThensentIagainsthimaPersiannamedDâdarši,myservant,whowassatrapofBactria[Bâxtriya] ,andIsaiduntohim:'Go,smitethathostwhichdoesnotacknowledgeme.'ThenDâdaršiwentforthwiththearmy,andgavebattletotheMargians.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyarmyutterlyoverthrewthatrebelhost.Ofthetwenty-thirddayofthemonthÂçiyâdiya[28December521]wasthebattlefoughtbythem.
* (39)KingDariussays:Thenwastheprovincemine.ThisiswhatwasdonebymeinBactria.
* (39)KingDariussays:Thenwastheprovincemine.ThisiswhatwasdonebymeinBactria.
RevoltofVahyazdâtaofPersia
* (40)KingDarius[Dâryavuš]says:AcertainmannamedVahyazdâtadweltinacitycalledTâravâinadistrictinPersiacalledVautiyâ.ThismanrebelledforthesecondtimeinPersia,andthushespokeuntothepeople:'IamSmerdis[Bardiya] ,thesonofCyrus[Kûruš] .'ThenthePersianpeoplewhowereinthepalacefellawayfromallegiance.TheyrevoltedfrommeandwentovertothatVahyazdâta.HebecamekinginPersia.
* (41)KingDariussays:ThendidIsendoutthePersianandtheMedianarmywhichwaswithme.APersiannamedArtavardiya,myservant,Imadetheirleader.TherestofthePersianarmycameuntomeinMedia.ThenwentArtavardiyawiththearmyuntoPersia.WhenhecametoPersia,atacityinPersiacalledRakhâ,thatVahyazdâta,whocalledhimselfSmerdis,advancedwiththearmyagainstArtavardiyatogivehimbattle.Theythenfoughtthebattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyhostutterlyoverthrewthearmyofVahyazdâta.OnthetwelfthdayofthemonthThûravâhara[24May521]wasthebattlefoughtbythem.
* (41)KingDariussays:ThendidIsendoutthePersianandtheMedianarmywhichwaswithme.APersiannamedArtavardiya,myservant,Imadetheirleader.TherestofthePersianarmycameuntomeinMedia.ThenwentArtavardiyawiththearmyuntoPersia.WhenhecametoPersia,atacityinPersiacalledRakhâ,thatVahyazdâta,whocalledhimselfSmerdis,advancedwiththearmyagainstArtavardiyatogivehimbattle.Theythenfoughtthebattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyhostutterlyoverthrewthearmyofVahyazdâta.OnthetwelfthdayofthemonthThûravâhara[24May521]wasthebattlefoughtbythem.
* (42)KingDariussays:ThenthatVahyazdâtafledthencewithafewhorsemenuntoPishiyâuvâda.FromthatplacehewentforthwithanarmyasecondtimeagainstArtavardiyatogivehimbattle.AtamountaincalledPargatheyfoughtthebattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyhostutterlyoverthrewthearmyofVahyazdâta.OnthefifthdayofthemonthGarmapada[15July521]wasthebattlefoughtbythem.AndtheyseizedthatVahyazdâta,andthemenwhowerehischieffollowerswerealsoseized.
* (43)KingDariussays:ThendidIcrucifythatVahyazdâtaandthemenwhowerehischieffollowersinacityinPersiacalledUvâdaicaya.
* (44)KingDariussays:ThisiswhatwasdonebymeinPersia.
* (45)KingDariussays:ThatVahyazdâta,whocalledhimselfSmerdis,sentmentoArachosia[Harauvati]againstaPersiannamedVivâna,myservant,thesatrapofArachosia.Heappointedacertainmantobetheirleader,andthushespoketohim,saying:'GosmiteVivânaandthehostwhichacknowledgeskingDarius!'ThenthatarmythatVahyazdâtahadsentmarchedagainstVivânatogivehimbattle.AtafortresscalledKapiša-kaniš[=Kandahar]theyfoughtthebattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyarmyutterlyoverthrewthatrebelhost.OnthethirteenthdayofthemonthAnâmaka[29December522]wasthebattlefoughtbythem.
* (45)KingDariussays:ThatVahyazdâta,whocalledhimselfSmerdis,sentmentoArachosia[Harauvati]againstaPersiannamedVivâna,myservant,thesatrapofArachosia.Heappointedacertainmantobetheirleader,andthushespoketohim,saying:'GosmiteVivânaandthehostwhichacknowledgeskingDarius!'ThenthatarmythatVahyazdâtahadsentmarchedagainstVivânatogivehimbattle.AtafortresscalledKapiša-kaniš[=Kandahar]theyfoughtthebattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyarmyutterlyoverthrewthatrebelhost.OnthethirteenthdayofthemonthAnâmaka[29December522]wasthebattlefoughtbythem.
* (46)KingDariussays:TherebelsassembledasecondtimeandwentoutagainstVivânatogivehimbattle.AtaplacecalledGandutavatheyfoughtabattle.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdamyarmyutterlyoverthrewthatrebelhost.OntheseventhdayofthemonthViyaxana[21February521]thebattlewasfoughtbythem.
* (47)KingDariussays:ThemanwhowascommanderofthatarmythatVahyazdâtahadsentforthagainstVivânafledthencewithafewhorsemen.TheywenttoafortressinArachosiacalledAršâdâ.ThenVivânawiththearmymarchedafterthemonfoot.Thereheseizedhim,andheslewthemenwhowerehischieffollowers.
* (48)KingDariussays:Thenwastheprovincemine.ThisiswhatwasdonebymeinArachosia.
ArakhaSecondBabylonianrevolt
* (49)KingDariussays:WhileIwasinPersiaandinMedia,theBabyloniansrevoltedfrommeasecondtime.AcertainmannamedArakha,anArmenian,sonofHaldita,rebelledinBabylon.AtaplacecalledDubâla,helieduntothepeople,saying:'IamNebuchadnezzar,thesonofNabonidus.'ThendidtheBabylonianpeoplerevoltfrommeandtheywentovertothatArakha.HeseizedBabylon,hebecamekinginBabylon.
* (50)KingDariussays:ThendidIsendanarmyuntoBabylon.APersiannamedIntaphrenes[Vidafarnâ] ,myservant,Iappointedastheirleader,andthusIspokeuntothem:'Go,smitethatBabylonianhostwhichdoesnotacknowledgeme.'ThenIntaphrenesmarchedwiththearmyuntoBabylon.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp;bythegraceofAhuramazdaIntaphrenesoverthrewtheBabyloniansandbroughtoverthepeopleuntome.Onthetwenty-seconddayofthemonthMarkâsanaš[27November]theyseizedthatArakhawhocalledhimselfNebuchadnezzar,andthemenwhowerehischieffollowers.ThenImadeadecree,saying:'LetthatArakhaandthemenwhowerehischieffollowersbecrucifiedinBabylon!'
=Columnfour=
* (51)KingDariussays:ThisiswhatwasdonebymeinBabylon.
* (51)KingDariussays:ThisiswhatwasdonebymeinBabylon.
ummary
* (52)KingDariussays:ThisiswhatIhavedone.BythegraceofAhuramazdahaveIalwaysacted.AfterIbecameking,IfoughtnineteenbattlesinasingleyearandbythegraceofAhuramazdaIoverthrewninekingsandImadethemcaptive.:*OnewasnamedGaumâta,theMagian;helied,saying'IamSmerdis[Bardiya] ,thesonofCyrus[Kûruš] .'HemadePersiatorevolt.:*Anotherwasnamedššina,theElamite[Ûvjiya] ;helied,saying:'IamkingthekingofElam.'HemadeElamtorevolt.:*AnotherwasnamedNidintu-Bêl[Naditabaira] ,theBabylonian[Bâbiruviya] ;helied,saying:'IamNebuchadnezzar[Nabukudracara] ,thesonofNabonidus[Nabunaita] .'HemadeBabylontorevolt.:*AnotherwasnamedMartiya,thePersian;helied,saying:'IamUmmanniš,thekingofElam.'HemadeElamtorevolt.:*AnotherwasPhraortes[Fravartiš] ,theMede[Mâda] ;helied,saying:'IamKhshathrita,ofthedynastyofCyaxares[Uvaxštra] .'HemadeMediatorevolt.:*AnotherwasTritantaechmes[Ciçataxma] ,theSagartian[Asagartiya] ;helied,saying:'IamkinginSagartia,ofthedynastyofCyaxares[Uvaxštra] .'HemadeSagartiatorevolt.:*AnotherwasnamedFrâda,ofMargiana;helied,saying:'IamkingofMargiana[Marguš] .'HemadeMargianatorevolt.:*AnotherwasVahyazdâta,aPersian;helied,saying:'IamSmerdis[Bardiya] ,thesonofCyrus[Kûruš] .'HemadePersiatorevolt.:*AnotherwasArakha,anArmenian[Arminiya] ;helied,saying:'IamNebuchadnezzar,thesonofNabonidus.'HemadeBabylontorevolt.
* (53)KingDariussays:TheseninekingdidIcaptureinthesewars.
* (54)KingDariussays:Astotheseprovinceswhichrevolted,liesmadethemrevolt,sothattheydeceivedthepeople.ThenAhuramazdadeliveredthemintomyhand;andIdiduntothemaccordingtomywill.
* (55)KingDariussays:Youwhoshallbekinghereafter,protectyourselfvigorouslyfromlies;punishtheliarswell,ifthusyoushallthink, 'Maymycountrybesecure!'
Affirmationofthetruthoftherecord
* (56)KingDariussays:ThisiswhatIhavedone,bythegraceofAhuramazdahaveIalwaysacted.Whosoevershallreadthisinscriptionhereafter,letthatwhichIhavedonebebelieved.Youmustnotholdittobelies.
* (57)KingDariussays:IcallAhuramazdatowitnessthatistrueandnotlies;allofithaveIdoneinasingleyear.
* (58)KingDariussays:BythegraceofAhuramazdaIdidmuchmore,whichisnotgraveninthisinscription.Onthisaccountithasnotbeeninscribedlesthewhoshallreadthisinscriptionhereaftershouldthenholdthatwhichhasbeendonebymetobeexcessiveandnotbelieveitandtakesittobelies.
Affirmationthatitispioustomakeknowntherecord
* (59)KingDariussays:Thosewhoweretheformerkings,aslongastheylived,bythemwasnotdonethusasbythefavorofAhuramazdawasdonebymeinoneandthesameyear.
* (60)KingDariussays:Nowletwhathasbeendonebymeconvinceyou.Forthesakeofthepeople,donotconcealit.Ifyoudonotconcealthisedictbutifyoupublishittotheworld,thenmayAhuramazdabeyourfriend,mayyourfamilybenumerous,andmayyoulivelong.
* (61)KingDariussays:Ifyouconcealthisedictanddonotpublishittotheworld,mayAhuramazdaslayyouandmayyourhousecease.
* (62)KingDariussays:ThisiswhatIhavedoneinonesingleyear;bythegraceofAhuramazdahaveIalwaysacted.Ahuramazdabroughtmehelp,andtheothergods,allthatthereare.
Theimportanceofrighteousness
* (63)KingDariussays:OnthisaccountAhuramazdabroughtmehelp,andalltheothergods,allthatthereare,becauseIwasnotwicked,norwasIaliar,norwasIadespot,neitherInoranyofmyfamily.Ihaveruledaccordingtorighteousness.NeithertotheweaknortothepowerfuldidIdowrong.Whosoeverhelpedmyhouse,himIfavored;hewhowashostile,himIdestroyed.
* (64)KingDariussays:Youwhomaybekinghereafter,whosoevershallbealiarorarebel,orshallnotbefriendly,punishhim!
Blessingsandcurses
* (65)KingDariussays:Youwhoshallhereafterseethistablet,whichIhavewritten,orthesesculptures,donotdestroythem,butpreservethemsolongasyoulive!
* (66)KingDariussays:Ifyoushallbeholdthisinscriptionorthesesculptures,andshallnotdestroythem,butshallpreservethemaslongasyourlineendures,thenmayAhuramazdabeyourfriend,andmayyourfamilybenumerous.Livelong,andmayAhuramazdamakefortunatewhatsoeveryoudo.
* (67)KingDariussays:Ifyoushallbeholdthisinscriptionorthesesculptures,andshalldestroythemandshallnotpreservethemsolongasyourlineendures,mayAhuramazdaslayyou,mayyourfamilycometonought,andmayAhuramazdadestroywhateveryoudo!
* (68)KingDariussays:ThesearethemenwhowerewithmewhenIslewGaumâtatheMagian[maguš] ,whowascalledSmerdis[Bardiya] ;thenthesemenhelpedmeasmyfollowers::*Intaphrenes[Vidafarnâ] ,sonofVayâspâra,aPersian;:*Otanes[Utâna] ,sonofThukhra[Thuxra] ,aPersian;:*Gobryas[Gaubaruva] ,sonofMardonius[Marduniya] ,aPersian;:*Hydarnes[Vidarna] ,sonofBagâbigna,aPersian;:*Megabyzus[Bagabuxša] ,sonofDâtuvahya,aPersian;:*Ardumaniš,sonofVakauka,aPersian.
* (68)KingDariussays:ThesearethemenwhowerewithmewhenIslewGaumâtatheMagian[maguš] ,whowascalledSmerdis[Bardiya] ;thenthesemenhelpedmeasmyfollowers::*Intaphrenes[Vidafarnâ] ,sonofVayâspâra,aPersian;:*Otanes[Utâna] ,sonofThukhra[Thuxra] ,aPersian;:*Gobryas[Gaubaruva] ,sonofMardonius[Marduniya] ,aPersian;:*Hydarnes[Vidarna] ,sonofBagâbigna,aPersian;:*Megabyzus[Bagabuxša] ,sonofDâtuvahya,aPersian;:*Ardumaniš,sonofVakauka,aPersian.
* (69)KingDariussays:Youwhomaybekinghereafter,protectthefamilyofthesemen.
* (70)KingDariussays:BythegraceofAhuramazdathisistheinscriptionwhichIhavemade.Besides,itwasinAryanscript,anditwascomposedonclaytabletsandonparchment.Besides,asculpturedfigureofmyselfImade.Besides,Imademylineage.Anditwasinscribedandwasreadoffbeforeme.AfterwardsthisinscriptionIsentoffeverywhereamongtheprovinces.Thepeopleunitedlyworkeduponit.
=Columnfive=
AnewrebelliononElam(Autumn521)
* (71)KingDariussays:ThefollowingiswhatIdidinthesecondandthirdyearofmyrule.TheprovincecalledElam[Ûvja]revoltedfromme.AnElamitenamedAtamaitatheymadetheirleader.ThenIsentanarmyuntoElam.APersiannamedGobryas[Gaubaruva] ,myservant,Imadetheirleader.ThenGobryassetforthwiththearmy;hedeliveredbattleagainsttheElamites.ThenGobryasdestroyedmanyofthehostandthatAtamaita,theirleader,hecaptured,andhebroughthimuntome,andIkilledhim.Thentheprovincebecamemine.
* (72)KingDariussays:ThoseElamiteswerefaithlessandAhuramazdawasnotworshippedbythem.IworshippedAhuramazda;bythegraceofAhuramazdaIdiduntothemaccordingtomywill.
* (73)KingDariussays:WhososhallworshipAhuramazda,divineblessingwillbeuponhim,bothwhilelivingandwhendead.
WaragainsttheScythians(520/519)
* (74)KingDariussays:AfterwardswithanarmyIwentofftoScythia,aftertheScythianswhowearthepointedcap.TheseScythianswentfromme.WhenIarrivedattheriver,Icrossedbeyonditthenwithallmyarmy.Afterwards,IsmotetheScythiansexceedingly; [oneoftheirleaders]Itookcaptive;hewasledboundtome,andIkilledhim. [Another]chiefofthem,bynameSkunkha,theyseizedandledtome.ThenImadeanothertheirchief,aswasmydesire.Thentheprovincebecamemine.
* (75)KingDariussays:ThoseScythians[Sakâ]werefaithlessandAhuramazdawasnotworshippedbythem.IworshippedAhuramazda;bythegraceofAhuramazdaIdiduntothemaccordingtomywill.
* (76)KingDariussays:WhososhallworshipAhuramazda,divineblessingwillbeuponhim,bothwhilelivingandwhendead.
延伸閱讀
當代尼賽亞地區
真假司美爾迪斯之謎
我們在猜的是一場永遠不會有答案的謎語。也許的確有答案，答案就在歷史老人的手心裡——可惜凡人是無法知道的。
他是誰？
他在波斯宮廷里做過什麼官職？
他是自然死亡的嗎？
如果是自然死亡的，死於何時何地？如果不是，那么他死於何人之手？
他是那個發動政變的穆護僧人嗎？他自己信仰拜火教嗎？
如果他不是那個發動政變的穆護僧，那么這個穆護是從哪裡來的？
政變成功之後，他都做了些什麼？
最後，他哥哥岡比西斯二世是怎么死的？
他是居魯士大王的兒子，這一點大家是沒有意見的。可是除此之外就沒有一點共同之處了。甚至在古典時代的作家就對他的真實姓名爭論不休，我們知道的就有：Smerdis(希羅多德)，Mardus(埃斯庫羅斯)，至於在克尼多斯的克鐵西阿斯（Ctesias of Cnidus）的《波斯史》中則稱之為塔尼烏克撒爾克斯（Tanyoxarces），而在色諾芬（Xenophon）的《居魯士的教育》一書中稱之為塔納烏克撒列斯（顯然與克鐵西阿斯的記錄相象）。至於貝希斯敦銘文中則稱之為Bardiya,巴爾迪亞。到目前為止，我們對於這位波斯王子的地位也是基本不清楚的，在他被親兄弟殺死以前，實際上我們對他的活動一無所知。
就拿我們最熟悉的希羅多德來說吧，他提到（歷史第三卷，30節），他是波斯朝廷中唯一一個能拉開衣索比亞人（或稱努比亞）送來的強弓的人。這似乎告訴我們，直到BC525年8月岡比西斯二世征服全部埃及為止，司美爾迪斯還活著，甚至直到波斯王的間諜從努比亞返回，帶回那把強弓為止，他還活著，而且還在埃及，岡比西斯的帳前。此後，岡比西斯將他送回波斯，並派其親信普列克撒司佩斯（Prexaspes）將其謀殺。根據希羅多德在他處的記載，普列克撒司佩斯是通過一個名字也叫司美爾迪斯的穆護僧將岡比西斯的兄弟，波斯王子司美爾迪斯處死了。應該說，希羅多德的故事在這裡講得很不成功，既混亂又模糊，很多關鍵之處都是一筆代過，含糊不清。最起碼的，司美爾迪斯怎么死的，他始終也沒搞清楚。還有，希羅多德的記載與貝希斯敦銘文銘文中所提到的，岡比西斯在赴埃及遠征之前就秘密處死了司美爾迪斯不能吻合。
接下來的政變中，希羅多德說，是由兩個穆護僧人策劃的。他們是兄弟倆，分別叫帕提載鐵斯(Patizeithes)和司美爾迪斯(Smerdis)。前者是岡比西斯出征期間的家務總管，後者則是親手殺死司美爾迪斯王子之人。克鐵西阿斯的敘述則說是某個名叫斯芬達達特斯(Sphendadates)的穆護僧，在向岡比西斯二世告密其弟Tanyoxarces(就是我們說的司美爾迪斯)圖謀造反未獲信任後，自己策劃了政變，冒充司美爾迪斯政變並成功。
那么到底是幾個人策劃的政變？
近年來的研究工作使我們相信，是一個人策劃了政變。因為考古發現告訴我們，在波斯宮廷，穆護的地位是不高的，只能做管理錢穀支度的小吏（紹興師爺？）。而希羅多德所記載的Patizeithes恰恰不是人名，而是官名，在古代波斯語裡面是“宮廷總管”之意。那么，很有可能是希羅多德自己錯了，將宮廷總管司美爾迪斯發動政變的事情理解為是Patizeithes 和 Smerdis發動了政變。（其實現在的研究也證明，這位歷史之父對於阿黑美尼德王朝的記錄是非常準確的，除了岡比西斯二世時期之外。這段時期他的歷史資料來源主要是埃及的神廟祭司和波斯王室記錄，甚至有可能是貝希斯敦銘文末尾提到的“書於泥版與羊皮紙之上”的“雅立安文手卷”。故而可信度大打折扣。）其他的實例說明這位偉大的歷史之父在波斯文的套用方面是要假手他人的，故而也有可能是他的波斯語通譯自己理解錯了？
那么，這個在岡比西斯出征期間主宰波斯波斯宮廷事務的大人，究竟是誰？自從銘文被發現以來，這個問題就聚訟不已，直到現在仍然分成鮮明的兩派，一派相信（基本上）希羅多德的記載，並依照考古結果做了一定修改，在前人的框架下得出了說得過去的結論；另一派則相信考古挖掘的結果，在考古證據不足的地方，再加上一些自己的“合理”推論，得出了自己的結論。
相信希羅多德記載的歷史學家的論點是：王子司美爾迪斯和穆護司美爾迪斯是兩個人，雖然他們長得一模一樣，只是有一個人少只耳朵。穆護害死了王子，成為了宮廷總管，自己篡奪了王位，最後被消滅在“米底行省尼賽亞之西卡亞烏瓦提什之城塞”(the stronghold called Sikayauvatis, in the district called Nisaia in Media)。這位穆護是個米底人，這點從他最後被殺的地點可以看出來。所謂“米底行省尼賽亞之西卡亞烏瓦提什之城塞”的地望，今人考證的結果是尼賽亞地區在今伊朗極西北部的西亞塞拜然省與庫爾德斯坦省交界處（見地圖中被綠色環線標明之處），包括Maragheh, Miandowab, Sa'indezh,Mahabad（馬拉蓋、米揚道阿卜、薩因代日及馬哈巴德）等幾座主要城市。在Urmia湖東南80公里處的薩因代日（Sa'indezh），沿一條河流上行約40公里，就是昔日的Sikayauvatis堡（約在薩因代日與伊朗沙阿[Iranshah]之半途）。該地自米底帝國時代起就是皇家行宮。這位篡位者在當權以後為何要躲到這裡來？這裡離帝國的行政中心——帕薩加迪（Parsagadae）大約有800公里之遙！只能是一個原因，他原來就是一個米底人!承認了這一點，則其他問題就迎刃而解了，他頒布的赦免徭役與兵役3年的惠及天下的施政大綱是因為這個米底人作為臣屬民族對於亡國之苦深有體會，故而對帝國治下的諸民族由於岡比西斯連續3年的埃及戰爭帶來的痛苦有切膚之痛。另外，大流士將這樣一份檔案銘刻在人跡無法到達的高山之巔，就是為了向他所崇拜的智慧之神阿胡拉馬茲達表示尊敬。那么這個虔誠的信仰者會在這么一個莊嚴的場合向他的神撒謊嗎？要知道，這可是拜火教所極力譴責的屬於阿赫里曼陣營的惡行啊！作為統治帝國，神授君權的大流士一世會做這等傻事嗎？
反對派的觀點是：首先，這位司美爾迪斯根本就不可能有一個一模一樣的替身，以致身邊妻妾僕從都分辨不出。
應該注意到一個人物，那就是在論及薛西斯被立為太子一事時，希羅多德曾提到，薛西斯的生母阿托撒（Atossa）在波斯朝廷中具有極大的權威。她是居魯士大王的女兒，先後是岡比西斯、（偽）司美爾迪斯和大流士的妻子。當年岡比西斯二世就是娶了她才穩定了自己的地位，其後，司美爾迪斯和大流士上台以後也都不約而同的娶了阿托撒。（看來古代波斯的王位繼承制度類似埃及?當血統不純或者權威不夠的國王登基時，一定要先娶一位出身高貴的公主為妻才能確立自己的正統合法性。）這么一個和三位國王共過枕席的女子，她的作用一直被人低估了——她會對自己的枕邊人一無所知？她在這接二連三的政治巨變中始終位於暴風眼的中心，她會對這一切都無能為力？她在這些事件中起了什麼作用？在各種版本的記載中都承認穆護僧在露餡以前曾長時間（時間從3年半到8個月）的被視作真司美爾迪斯。那么假如有個冒名頂替的穆護，既然阿托撒不可能不察覺到，而波斯內廷和外朝之間的交流又像希羅多德所言那樣非常的方便，她怎么會一點動作都沒有？答案只能是阿托撒是知情者！她參與了兩次陰謀，分別TF了岡比西斯與司美爾迪斯。
按照波斯人的習慣，國王在遠征以前（居魯士渡過阿姆河，大流士遠征色雷斯）都要指定一個攝政監國。那么既然他的前任和後任都曾指定攝政監國，我們沒有理由相信岡比西斯會在不指定攝政監國的情況下在埃及一停三年不回國都。以當時的情況而論，最有可能的監國人選自然是國王的親兄弟，司美爾迪斯王子，而他的頭銜應該就是“帕提載鐵斯”(Patizeithes)，宮廷總監。此後，國王在埃及的戰爭進行的不是很順利，特別是他對南方努比亞（衣索比亞）的出征死傷慘重。在此之前我們已經知道，這位岡比西斯國王的脾氣很不好，經常亂殺人，即使是普列克撒司佩斯這樣的親信也難逃兒子被射死的慘禍。如此，君王長期在外，戰事不順，再加上濫殺無辜，必然要激化統治集團內部的矛盾。波斯帝國從居魯士二世滅掉米底王國（BC553-550）算起才不過25年，居魯士大王的權威主要是靠自己的威望而不是靠暴力建立的。肯定有很多人不能適應這父子兩人統治方法的巨大差異，心懷怨望，遂生叛意。叛亂自然要有頭目，司美爾迪斯是最理想的旗幟了，而陰謀者蠱惑司美爾迪斯政變的事情，也就是銘文說的“國人心懷異志，國內謠言風起，遍及波斯、米底以及諸行省”吧？
至於新王頒布的大赦令，那是因為政變的初衷為了從好戰而暴戾的岡比西斯手中解救這個國家，自然要採取一些激烈的措施更正岡比西斯的失誤。
考慮到司美爾迪斯原先可能擔任過米底總督，它把自己的總部設在米底也是很正常的事。
至於說到大流士的宗教虔誠心，不用我們多說，在《歷史》卷3第85－87節記述大流士如何使計冒充神意當上國王的經過，再好不過的向我們解釋了大流士到底有多么虔誠！
考慮到司美爾迪斯死後，大流士總是稱之為“Gaumata, the Magian”，司美爾迪斯很可能對拜火教有所偏愛。加之大流士聲稱他登基後的首要政績就是“舉凡穆護高墨塔所毀之廟宇，寡人為國人興復之；舉凡穆護高墨達掠奪之牧場、畜群、奴僕、房舍，寡人為國人興復之。寡人處波斯、米底及他省之國人歸其原位。舉凡被劫掠之物寡人復之一如舊日。”那么司美爾迪斯在政變成功後看來完全不是波斯貴族預想的那樣做個傀儡，而是大有作為，頒布大赦令之外，還在波斯帝國內部對財產關係和宗教信仰做了大量調整。由此而大大損害了很多人的既得利益（波斯帝國至此已垂30年），他們便夥同大流士等7人將此真司美爾迪斯除去。
在反對派歷史學家的眼中，高墨達之亂是這樣發生的：
BC525年，岡比西斯遠征埃及，以御弟司美爾迪斯為宮廷總管監國留後，自引大軍出征。夏，波斯軍隊侵入埃及，至是年8月，岡比西斯自稱埃及王。但是他的征伐並沒有在尼羅河的瀑布邊停滯，他向南遠征努比亞（衣索比亞）向西遠征阿蒙綠洲和利比亞人，都不順利。關鍵是，戰爭無休止，而國王對貴人的態度卻越來越粗暴。終於，BC522年3月11日，在波斯爆發了以御弟司美爾迪斯為首的叛亂。叛亂得到各地回響，在巴比倫的文書證明，司美爾迪斯迅速稱王。司美爾迪斯向回師的波斯大軍派出了信使，軍中隨岡比西斯出征的貴人可能在這種情況下作出了決斷，拋棄岡比西斯投入司美爾迪斯的懷抱，以換取自己家人的安全和自己的榮華。這種討價還價還有信使往來持續了一段時間，終於，交易達成了。岡比西斯被拋棄了，按照希羅多德的說法是死於病榻，但是貝希斯敦明文卻用了一個波斯詞，說是“uwamarsiyus amariyata”，近代的學者，從勞林森起都將其譯為“（Cambyses）died by his own hand”，也就是自殺。但是現代學者認為這個詞的意思不單單是自殺，還有更深一層“自取滅亡”“罪責難逃”之意。呵呵，聽著象趙高殺秦二世以後的說辭吧！所以很有可能是岡比西斯被軍中貴人遺棄以後被迫自殺。此事發生的時間，非常有可能是在銘文所提到的高墨達篡奪王位的BC522年7月1日，只有岡比西斯死了，司美爾迪斯的寶座才坐穩。此後，司美爾迪斯除了頒布大赦令之外，還在波斯帝國內部對財產關係和宗教信仰做了大量調整。由此而大大損害了很多貴人的既得利益，一個新的反對司美爾迪斯的陰謀又在波斯上層迅速醞釀成熟。首謀者並不是大流士，而是國王司美爾迪斯的岳父，大貴族Otanes，歐塔涅斯。大流士只是作為阿黑美尼家族幼支的代表，在最後階段為新政變的合法性提供了新的素材而已。BC522年9月29日，毫無防備的司美爾迪斯被自己的岳父率領的一小伙貴族青年殺死在米底的行宮。大流士通過耍奸計登上王座以後，第一件事就是徹底廢除司美爾迪斯的新政。同時，他的政權不住地強調自己的正統性——到處說明自己是阿黑美尼德家族的子孫不是沒有道理的。但是實踐證明這種解釋是無用的，司美爾迪斯被弒僅4天，巴比倫就出現了尼丁圖·貝爾叛亂——要記住從米底行省尼賽亞之西卡亞烏瓦提什之城塞到巴比倫並無皇家大道，所以不妨說幾乎是在國君被弒訊息傳來的當日叛亂就發生了。此後大流士和他的6位同謀以及另外兩位將軍，用了一年時間才將各地的叛亂逐步敉平。也許正是得益於第二個自稱司美爾迪斯的西貝貨“波斯人瓦希亞茲達塔”叛亂的啟發，大流士終於給死去的司美爾迪斯王子找到了一個合適的身份：偽司美爾迪斯，穆護僧。當他命令把這個檔案在巨石上銘刻，在臣民中頒行的時候，不過是又一次耍了眾神一把：司美爾迪斯王子自己成了偽司美爾迪斯，穆護僧，同時又是阿赫里曼的信徒，一個撒謊的人。這個話題在波斯帝國也就成了禁忌，也就難怪日後希臘史家寫到岡比西斯死後的波斯政局時都不免要陷入大流士的**陣中不明所以了。
