# Smerdis — Histories character guide

> Smerdis in Histories by Herodotus.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the Magian Smerdis, this Magian Smerdis

**First appearance:** 0004-book-iii-thaleia

## Snapshot

A Magian priest who, after the real Smerdis is quietly killed, sits on the Persian throne in his name and rules until the truth leaks out.

## Who they are

The historical Smerdis is Cyrus' son, murdered on Cambyses' orders before the Egyptian campaign; the man who takes his place is a Magian who happens to share his name and his looks. For months he governs Persia from behind the palace walls, never appearing in public, while Cambyses is away. His imposture is the crisis that forces the Persian nobles to conspire, and it becomes Herodotus' case study in how easily a throne can be occupied by someone who is not who he claims to be.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/smerdis
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