Studia Antiqua et Archaeologica 28(2): 320-329
Eduard V. RUNG, Aleksandr S. SAPOGOV, Igor V. VOSTRIKOV
ABSTRACT
This article examines the evidence of ancient authors on the unofficial nicknames of Achaemenid Persian
kings. It pays special attention to the interpretation of the nickname of Μακρόχειρ. Two variants are considered for
its translation. In the first case, one must talk about the ancient authors’ perceptions of this nickname as relating to
a person who had one arm longer than the other. In the second case, the nickname is interpreted metaphorically: it is
believed to be used for a ruler who is seeking an extension of his possessions. The possibility of applying the nickname
of Μακρόχειρ to each of the three Persian kings – Darius I, Xerxes, and Artaxerxes I – is investigated.
KEYWORDS
Nicknames, Artaxerxes, Darius, Xerxes, Achaemenids.