Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology/Atropates

by Various Authors

ATROPATES ('ATpoTrtfrTjs), called Atrapea by Diodorus (xviii. 4), a Persian satrap, apparently of Media, had the command of the Medes, together with the Cadusii, Albani, and Sacesinae, at the battle of Guagamela, b. c. 331. After the death of Dareius, he was made satrap of Media by Alexander. (Arrian, iii. 8, iv. 18.) His daughter was married to Perdiccas in the nuptials celebrated at Susa in b. c. 324; and he received from his father-in-law, after Alexander's death, the province of the Greater Media. (Arrian, vii. 4; Justin, xviii. 4; Diod. I. c.) In the northern part of the countrj', called after him Media Atropatene, he established an independent kingdom, which continued to exist down to the time of Strabo. (Strab. xi. p. 523.) It was related by some authors, that Atropates on one occasion presented Alexander with a hundred women, said to be Amazons; but Arrian (vii. 13) disbelieved the story.