A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Ἀρταχαίης), a distinguished Persian, and the tallest man in the nation, superintended the construction of the canal across the isthmus of Athos. He died while Xerxes was with his army at Athos; and the king, who was deeply grieved at his loss, gave him a splendid funeral, and the whole army raised a mound. In the time of Herodotus, the Acanthians, in pursuance of an oracle, sacrificed to Artachaees as a hero. (Hdt. 7.22, 117.) This mound appears to be the one described by Lieutenant Wolfe, who remarks : " About 1 1/2 mile to the westward of the north end of the canal (of Xerxes) is the modern village of Erso (on the site of Acanthus), which gives its name to the bay, situated on an eminence overhanging the beach : this is crowned by a remarkable mound, forming a small natural citadel." (Classical Museum, No. I. p. 83, Lond. 1843.)