A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Μέντωρ), a Greek of Rhodes, the brother of Memnon [MEMNON]. With his brother Memnon lie rendered active assistance to Artabazus. When the latter found himself compelled to take refugte at the court of Philip, Mentor entered the service of Nectanabis, king of Egypt. He was appointed to the command of his Greek forces, and afterwards led a force of 4000 Greeks to the assistance of Tennes, king of Sidon, in his revolt against Dareius Ochus. Tennes treacherously betrayed the Sidonians [TENNES], and at his command Mentor, who had been left in charge of the city, directed his troops to open the gates to

Dareius. Mentor with his troops was taken into the Persian service. When Dareius Ochus marched upon Egypt, one division of his Greek forces was placed under the command of Mentor and the eunuch Bagoas. When this division came before Bubastus, Mentor contrived that a report should reach the garrison, which consisted partly of Greeks, that all who surrendered would be pardoned. The Greek commanders on both sides were eager to be the first to make and to receive the submission; and Mentor contrived that Bagoas in entering the city should be taken prisoner by the Greeks. Having then himself received the surrender of the city, and procured the release of Bagoas, he secured the favour of Dareius and the gratitude of Bagoas, and was rewarded with a satrapy including all the western coast of Asia Minor. His influence with Dareius also enabled him to procure the pardon of his brother Memnon and of Artabazus. While engaged in the government of his satrapy he treacherously secured the person of Hermeias, tyrant of Atarneus, the friend of Aristotle [HERMEIAS; ARISTOTELES], and having forged letters in his name, obtained possession of his fortresses. Hie sent lermeias to Dareius, who put him to death. He died in possession of his satrapy, and was succeeded by his brother Memnon. His wife's name was Barsine. His three daughters fell into the hands of Parmenion at Damascus. One of them was subsequently married to Nearchus. (Diod. 16.42, &100.49-52; Arrian, 7.4.9; Curt. 3.13.14.)

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