ALL THE KING’S MEN

In a recent publication Thierry Petit has examined the story of Cyrus and Orontas in Xenophon Anabasis 1.6.1-11, detected a ritual expressive of subordination, associated that subordination with the term bandaka, and elaborated a parallel with mediaeval homage rituals.1 To test his account of the episode and its implications I shall consider the evidence for ceremonial procedure, examine bandaka and certain other Iranian and non-Iranian words, and assess the impact of the mediaeval analogy.2 I do not pretend to provide an exhaustive account of all the issues raised by Petit’s stimulating paper, and what follows is a dogmatic report on what I believe to be demonstrable rather than a thoroughly documented demonstration. There are three phases in the story.3 Phase 1 Darius II gives Orontas to Cyrus as hupekoos (subordinate). Orontas then fights Cyrus at Artaxerxes II’s behest4 using the Sardis acropolis as base (Xenophon Anabasis 1.6.6). Phase 2 Cyrus and Orontas exchange dexiai (hand-shakes) at end of that conflict. Orontas then revolts and damages Cyrus ’ land from a base in Mysia (ibid. 1.6.6-7). Phase 3 Cyrus and Orontas exchange pista (pledges) after Orontas has come to the altar of Artemis at Sardis and persuaded Cyrus that he has repented (ibid.1.6.7). Bu