Sisamnes

Het Oordeel van Cambyses, 1498, Groeningemuseum, 0040035000

Sisamnes was a corrupt judge under the rule of Cambyses II, the King of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE. According to the accounts of Herodotus, a Greek historian known for his work Histories, Sisamnes was caught accepting a bribe to deliver an unjust verdict. As a punishment for his corruption, Cambyses II ordered that Sisamnes be executed by being flayed alive. His skin was then used to cover the seat in which his son, who was appointed to take over his judicial duties, would sit. This act was intended as a dire warning against corruption for other judges.

The story of Sisamnes highlights the harsh punishments for corruption and the emphasis on justice and integrity within the Achaemenid Empire. It also reflects the broader themes of law and order in ancient Persian society, where rulers often took extreme measures to ensure their authority and the moral conduct of their officials.

Background

Sisamnes was a member of the judiciary in the vast Achaemenid Empire, which was known for its complex administration and the king's efforts to maintain strict control over its vast territories. The empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, was the largest of its time and included a variety of peoples and cultures. The administration of justice was a critical aspect of governance, as it helped to maintain order and the king's authority across the empire.

The Punishment of Sisamnes

The punishment of Sisamnes is a vivid example of the extreme measures taken by Cambyses II to combat corruption and maintain a sense of justice within the empire. The use of Sisamnes' skin to cover a judge's seat served as a powerful symbol of the consequences of corruption and the importance of judicial integrity. This story has been depicted in various works of art, including a famous painting by Gerard David, which illustrates the flaying of Sisamnes and serves as a reminder of the story's enduring impact on themes of justice and morality.

Legacy

The tale of Sisamnes has been passed down through generations as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity and the severe consequences of corruption. It reflects the values of the Achaemenid Empire and the lengths to which rulers would go to maintain order and justice. The story also provides insight into the administration of justice in ancient times and the moral expectations placed on officials within the empire.