Ten days after the fortress of Memphis had fallen, Cambyses decided to test the strength of spirit of Psammenitus, the defeated king of Egypt. Psammenitus had ruled for only six months before losing his kingdom. Cambyses wanted to see how the former king would react to humiliation and personal suffering The Flight of the Egyptian Army.
To do this, Cambyses ordered Psammenitus to be brought to one of the suburbs of the city. Many other Egyptians were placed there with him. All of them were exposed to insults and public shame, meant to break their pride and show the power of the Persian king.
The Humiliation of the King’s Daughter
Cambyses began with a cruel display. He ordered the daughter of Psammenitus to be led out of the city dressed like a slave. She carried a pitcher, as if she were going to fetch water. Along with her came many other young women, the daughters of Egypt’s leading nobles, all wearing the same humble clothing Sightseeing Tour Ephesus.
When these young women passed in front of their fathers, the scene became very emotional. The fathers cried out loudly, weeping and lamenting the terrible fate of their daughters. All of them showed great sorrow—except Psammenitus. He looked at his daughter, but he did not cry. Instead, he lowered his head and stared at the ground, showing no outward sign of grief.
The March of the Condemned Sons
After the women had passed, an even more painful sight followed. Psammenitus’ son appeared, walking among two thousand young Egyptian men of the same age. Ropes were tied around their necks, and bridles were placed in their mouths, like animals being led to slaughter. They were being taken away to die.
These young men had been condemned because of the killing of the Mytilenaean crew in Memphis. The royal judges had ruled that for each Mytilenaean who had been murdered, ten noble Egyptians must lose their lives.
Psammenitus clearly recognized his son and knew that he was being led to his death. Yet even then, he showed no more emotion than before. While the Egyptians around him cried openly and were deeply distressed, Psammenitus remained silent and unmoved.
The Beggar Who Broke the King’s Silence
After this procession had passed, something unexpected happened. One of Psammenitus’ former companions appeared. This man was elderly and had once lived in comfort, but now he had lost everything and had become a beggar. He walked among the soldiers, asking for alms.
When Psammenitus saw this man, he finally broke down. He burst into tears, cried out loudly, called his friend by name, and struck his head in grief. This sudden display of emotion surprised everyone who saw it.
Cambyses Questions Psammenitus
Cambyses had ordered men to watch Psammenitus closely. When they reported what had happened, Cambyses was astonished. He sent a messenger to ask Psammenitus why he had not wept for his daughter or his son, but had shown such sorrow for a beggar who was not even a member of his family.
Psammenitus replied with dignity and wisdom. He said that his own suffering was too great for tears. The loss of his kingdom, his daughter’s shame, and his son’s death were beyond expression. But the sight of a friend who had fallen from wealth and honor into poverty at the end of his life was a sorrow that could still be felt and mourned.
Mercy from the Conqueror
When Cambyses heard this answer, he admitted that it was just and wise. Croesus, who was present with Cambyses, was moved to tears, and many Persians wept as well. Even Cambyses himself felt pity.
As a result, Cambyses ordered that Psammenitus’ son be spared from execution and commanded that Psammenitus be brought from the suburb into his presence. This moment shows that even in conquest and cruelty, human understanding and compassion could still appear.
