Spithridates

(Σπιθριδάτης.)

1. A Persian, was one of the commanders sent by Pharnabazus to oppose the passage of the Cyrean Greeks through Bithynia, B. C. 400. [Rhathines.] In B. C. 396 Spithridates, offended with Pharnabazus, who wished to take his daughter as a concubine, was induced by Lysander to revolt from the satrap, bringing with him his children, his treasures, and 200 horse. His defection was most acceptable to Agesilaus, who gained information from him about the affairs of Pharnabazus. (Xen. Anab. 6.5.7, Hell. 3.4.10, Ages. 3. § 3; Plut. Ages. 8, Lys. 24.)

2. Satrap of Lydia and Ionia under Dareius Codomannus, was one of the Persian commanders at the battle of the Granicus, in B. C. 334, in which engagement, while he was aiming a blow from behind at Alexander, his arm was cut off by Cleitus, son of Dropides (Arr. Anab. 1.12, 15, 16). Diodorus calls him Spithrobates, and appears to confound him with Mithridates [Mithridates, No. 5.], the son in-law of Dareius, whom Alexander slew in the battle with his own hand; while what Arrian records of Spithridates is related by Diodorus of his brother Rhoesaces. (Diod. 17.19, 20; Wess. ad loc. ; Plut. Alex. 16, de Alex. Fort. 1.2.) [E.E]