Histories

While Darius was making preparations[*](The date of Darius' expedition is uncertain. Grote thinks it probable that it took place before 514 B.C.) against the Scythians, and sending messengers to direct some to furnish infantry and some to furnish ships, and others again to bridge the Karadeniz Bogazi (strait), Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey, AsiaThracian Bosporus, Artabanus, son of Hystaspes and Darius' brother, by no means wanted him to make an expedition against the Scythians, telling him how hard that people were to deal with.

But when, for all his good advice, he could not deter the king, Artabanus ceased to advise, and Darius, all his preparations made, led his army from Shush [48.333,32.2] (inhabited place), Khuzestan, Iran, AsiaSusa.

Then the PersianOeobazus, who had three sons, all with the army, asked Darius that one be left behind. “You are my friend,” said the king, “and your request is reasonable; I will leave all your sons.”

Oeobazus was very happy, supposing his sons released from service; but Darius told those whose job it was to execute all of Oeobazus' sons. So their throats were cut, and they were left there.