Now after Cambyses, son of Cyrus, had lost his mind, while he was still in Egypt [30,27] (nation), Africa Egypt, two Magus brothers rebelled against him.The story dropped at Hdt. 3.38 is now taken up again. One of them had been left by Cambyses as steward of his house; this man now revolted from him, perceiving that the death of Smerdis was kept secret, and that few knew of it, most believing him to be still alive.

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.