Histories

Therefore he plotted to gain the royal power: he had a brother, his partner, as I said, in rebellion; this brother was in appearance very like Cyrus' son Smerdis, whom Cambyses, his brother, had killed; nor was he like him in appearance only, but he bore the same name too, Smerdis.

Patizeithes the Magus persuaded this man that he would manage everything for him; he brought his brother and set him on the royal throne; then he sent heralds to all parts, one of whom was to go to Egypt [30,27] (nation), Africa Egypt and proclaim to the army that henceforth they must obey not Cambyses but Smerdis, the son of Cyrus.

So this proclamation was made everywhere. The herald appointed to go to Egypt [30,27] (nation), Africa Egypt, finding Cambyses and his army at +Hamadan [48.583,34.766] (inhabited place), Hamadan, Iran, Asia Ecbatana in +Syria [38,35] (nation), Asia Syria, came out before them all and proclaimed the message given him by the Magus.

When Cambyses heard what the herald said, he supposed that it was the truth, and that Prexaspes, when sent to kill Smerdis, had not done it but had played Cambyses false; and he said, fixing his eyes on Prexaspes, “Is it thus, Prexaspes, that you carried out my instructions?”

“No,” said Prexaspes, “this is not true, sire, that your brother Smerdis has rebelled against you; he cannot have any quarrel with you, small or great; I myself did as you instructed, and I buried him with my own hands.