Panthea (?–c. 545 bce)

Noblewoman of Susa whose virtue and loyalty, as recorded by Xenophon, won the respect of Cyrus II the Great. Died around 545bce; married Abradatas or Abradatus.

Panthea is a character in the Cyropaedia, Xenophon's historical romance written during the first half of the 4th century bce, although it is quite possible that Xenophon based his portrayal on an actual woman and her tragic fate. Panthea is said to have been captured by Cyrus II the Great, founder of the Persian Empire, when he overran the camp of the recently slain king of Assyria, whose realm Cyrus was in the process of conquering. Panthea was in the entourage of the Assyrian king because her husband, Abradatas, was the lord of Susa, an ally of the Assyrian king, and at the time on his way to Bactria in a diplomatic effort to raise an alliance against Cyrus. Hearing from Araspas (the Mede who actually took Panthea into custody) that Panthea was the most beautiful woman in Asia, Cyrus refused even to gaze upon her (even though, since she was extraordinarily comely, she had been set aside for him by right of conquest) lest passion override his sense of propriety and lead him to force himself upon her. As a result, Panthea remained in the care of Araspas, who, upon learning that Cyrus refused her out of a fear that he might wish to possess her illicitly, scoffed at Cyrus' admitted weakness. Although he initially believed himself to be above such infatuation, Araspas fell so deeply in love with Panthea that he threatened to take her against her will (throughout, Panthea remained true to her husband, whom she truly loved). Fearing rape, Panthea notified Cyrus of her plight by means of her attendant eunuch. Amused at Araspas' inability to control his passion (especially after his censure of Cyrus), but nevertheless worried that Araspas might demean himself by dishonoring Panthea, Cyrus separated the two by sending Araspas to spy on Croesus, king of Lydia, whose land Cyrus was about to invade.

Panthea was thereafter treated with so much respect at the command of Cyrus that she is said to have come to an appreciation of his true worth. As a consequence, she asked Cyrus to allow her to contact Abradatas, so as to win him over to Cyrus' cause. Abradatas, freed from his association with Assyria by the death of his one-time ally and convinced by Panthea of Cyrus' nobility, agreed to serve Cyrus. Thus, Panthea and Abradatas were lovingly reunited in the service of the Persian king.

When it came time for Cyrus' final battle against Croesus, Abradatas is reported to have volunteered to command that portion of Cyrus' army which would be in the most peril. Cyrus, gracious as always, accepted this offer. Just before the battle was engaged, Panthea, proud of her husband's bravery, made a gift to him of a new breastplate and magnificent robe. Both then publicly acknowledged their love for the other and Abradatas was off, never to return, for while fighting heroically in the midst of a chariot melee, he was killed. Before Cyrus could even reclaim Abradatas' body, Panthea was on the scene and making preparations for her husband's appropriate burial. Appreciating her piety, Cyrus left the affairs of burial in Panthea's hands, but promised to underwrite the expense of the appropriate ceremonies. What Cyrus did not expect, however, then occurred. Unable to face life without her beloved, Panthea committed suicide so that she could be interred with Abradatas. Following her example, all of her personal train did likewise, a testimony to her worth. Too late Cyrus learned of Panthea's plans, but after the fact he is said to have appropriately honored the caliber of both Panthea and Abradatas.

William S. S. , Associate Professor of Classical History, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California