Datames, 378-362 BC

Datames was a general and provincial governor under the Persian empire. He was the son of Camissares, satrap of Cilicia under Artaxerxes II. Datames became one of the king's bodyguards; and having aquitted himself in the war against the Cadusii, was appointed to succeed his father (who had died in that war) as satrap in Cilicia. Here he put down a revolt against Artaxerxes by Thyus, governor of Paphlagonia, and Aspis of Cataonia.

He was entrusted by the Persian king with the command of a force to recover Egypt. However, Datames' enemies in Artaxerxes' court accused him, perhaps falsely, of intending to revolt against the Great King. Warned of the danger, he withdrew with the troops under his command to Cappadocia, where he then became, in fact, the first of the Satraps to revolt. (the "Satraps' Revolt", c.370 BC).

Artabazus and then Autophradates were sent against him but both were defeated. Datames, however, ultimately fell a victim to treachery, and after surviving numerous plots, was assassinated (c. 362 BC) at a conference by Mithridates, the son of Ariobarzanes, who had gained his confidence by assuming the appearance of hostility to the king.