About Oroetes
Lived 600 BC – 560 BC. Oroetes was a governor.
Oroetus attending the crucifixion of Polycrates (17th century painting, by Salvator Rosa).
Oroetus, or Oroetes (Old Iranian: Arvita, Ancient Greek: Ὀροίτης), was a Persian Satrap of Lydia (c. 530–520 BC), during the reigns of Cyrus the Great, Cambyses and Darius the Great, succeeding Harpagus, and being followed by Bagaeus. He is described by Herodotus in the third book of his Histories, where he achieved notoriety for the death of Polycrates, tyrant of Samos:
Oroetus became the first satrap recorded as demonstrating insubordination towards the central power of Persia. When Cambyses (r. 530–522 BC), who succeeded his father Cyrus, died, the Persian Empire was in chaos prior to Darius the Great (522–486 BC) finally securing control. Oroetus defied Darius's orders to assist him, whereupon the Achaemenid nobleman Bagaeus was sent by Darius to arrange his murder.
Oroetus in Art
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Important facts
People in Oroetes's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Oroetes's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Oroetes?
6th century BC Persian Satrap of Lydia
When was Oroetes born?
Oroetes was born in 600 BC.
When did Oroetes die?
Oroetes died in 560 BC.
What was Oroetes's occupation?
Oroetes was a governor.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Oroetes. https://biography.guide/oroetes/
MLA: "Oroetes." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/oroetes/.
Chicago: "Oroetes." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/oroetes/.
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