Barbarians at the Gate: Herodotus, Bisotun, and a Persian Punishment in Egypt

A new analysis reveals that Herodotus' depiction of Cambyses' punishment of Psammenitus in his Histories was likely adapted from a similar punishment described in the Old Persian text of the Bisotun inscription. This study identifies key alterations made by Herodotus, suggesting a deliberate engagement with themes of Persian legitimacy and the invasion of Egypt. By establishing a typology for this punishment practice, the research underscores the primacy of a Persian source while highlighting Herodotus' narrative adjustments to address historical questions surrounding Cambyses' rule.

McKeon, K. P. J. (2020). Barbarians at the Gate: Herodotus, Bisotun, and a Persian Punishment in Egypt. American Journal of Philology, 141(3), 349–380. https://doi.org/10.1353/ajp.2020.0020