A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Στασάνωρ), a native of Soli in Cyprus, who held a distinguished position among the officers of Alexander the Great (Strab. xiv. p.683). He probably entered the service of that monarch after the conquest of Cyprus in B. C. 333, but the first occasion on which his name is mentioned is during the campaign in Bactria, when he was detached by Alexander with a strong force to reduce Arsames, the revolted satrap of Aria. This service, in conjunction with Phrataphernes, he successfully accomplished, and rejoined Alexander at Zariaspa in the autumn of B. C. 328, bringing with him Arsames himself as a captive, as well as Barzanes, who had been appointed by Bessus satrap of Parthia (Arr. Anab. 3.29, 4.7). As a reward for this exploit he obtained the satrapy of Aria, which was, however, soon after changed for that of Drangiana, in the command of which he remained during the whole of Alexander's campaign in India. On the king's return, Stasanor was one of those who met him in Carmania with a very opportune supply of camels and other beasts of burthen, but returned to resume the charge of his province when Alexander continued his march towards Persia (Arr. ib. 4.18, 6.27, 29; Curt. 8.3.17). In the first partition of the provinces after the death of Alexander, Stasanor retained his former satrapy of Drangiana, but in the subsequent division at Triparadeisus (B. C. 321 ), he exchanged it for the more important government of Bactria and Sogdiana (Diod. 18.3, 39; Dexipp apud Phot. p. 64b; Arrian, ibid. p. 71b; Justin 13.4). Here he appears to have remained in quiet for some years, taking no open part, so far as we are informed in the contest between Eumenes and Antigonus, though apparently inclined in favour of the former : but he secured the attachment of the native population by the justice and moderation of his rule, and thus established his power so firmly that Antigonus found it prudent to pardon his favourable disposition towards his rival, and left him in the undisturbed possession of his satrapy, B. C. 316. (Diod. 19.18.) From this time his name does not appear gain in history.

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