Biography
Who was Darius III? He was a man in the late Persian Empire with loose connections to the throne. (OCD: Darius III) Darius’ claim to power began with a successful duel against a notable soldier that earned him a connection to Bagoas, an eunuch. His success in the duel and his status being closely related to the throne gave Darius III the perfect opportunity to become king because all direct descendants in the royal lineage were killed off through various plots. Bagoas is to blame for the murders and he attempted to do the same to the new king. Darius III, being fearful the same would happen to him, forced Bagoas to drink the concoction with poison he was planning to kill him with. Darius III’s claim to power came from his little bravery and courage, but the rest of his time on the throne shows how much of a coward he was. (Stronk pg. 276-277)
Shortly after Darius III took the throne, Alexander the Great rose to power. At first, believing the young king would be no threat Darius wasn’t worried but his swift and effective action changed his tune. Darius realized how much of a threat Alexander was and he wished to take him out. Their first time going head-to-head was at the Battle of Issus. Darius’ army attacked the Macedonians at Issus, greatly outnumbering them. The Macedonian army was far better prepared for battle, however, and this combined with Alexander's leadership is what ultimately gave them the massive victory here. Darius was present at the battle alongside his family. When the king noticed his army failing in the battle, he didn’t stay strong and fight to the end. (Stronk pg. 297-300) In an act of cowardice, he fled the scene of the battle not only discouraging the remaining soldiers but leaving his family behind to be taken captive. To try and get his family back, the king sent Alexander multiple letters that spoke of ransoms for the family members and land in the western part of the Persian Empire. Alexander made another fool of the Persian king by rejecting the offers and continuing with his conquest. (Britannica: Darius III)
Darius made his way to Babylon and began to rally people to create a new army. While making these preparations, Alexander and his forces headed south to continue his conquest. Time passed and eventually, war was inevitable in Gaugamela. Darius had created a new army fueled by the sheer numbers of his empire while Alexander spent the time between the last encounter conquering much of the western Persian Empire. Like the last encounter, it became evident early on that Alexander would emerge victorious again. Darius, again frightened, fled from battle and narrowly escaped capture. (Stronk pg. 319-322)
Darius fled to the city of Ecbatana until he learned of the approaching Macedonian forces. He went to Bactria to better utilize his forces and to avoid Alexander. Darius III tried to create a plan to face Alexander again but the people around him felt his plan was delusional. A coup then occurred and the king was stabbed and then set in a wagon to die. Due to his poor plans of attack and cowardice, Darius III is responsible for the fall of the Persian Empire. All it took was a flawed king to let an empire crumble. (Charles)