c. 331-323/2 BCE
AR tetradrachm 19mm, 16.87g
Imitating types of Athens. Head of Athena r., wearing Attic helmet/ Owl stranding r., head facing; to l., crescent; to r., Aramaic legend.
Le Rider, Alexander, pp. 214-9; Van Alfen, Group IVb
Mazakes gets credit for taking a job opportunity when it opened, then understanding reality.
When the satrap of Egypt Sabakes was killed in the Battle of Issos against Alexander the Great, Mazakes became satrap of Egypt. However, he held onto it for less than a year because soon enough Alexander himself came knocking.
Since nearly the entire military of the satrapy had been lost at Issos, Mazakes knew that the situation was hopeless. Therefore, he chose to open the country’s doors to Alexander and not oppose him.
It is believed that Alexander demonstrated his gratitude by giving Mazakes the satrap of Mesopotamia, while Kleomenes, who would become unbelievably corrupt, took Egypt. This coin was minted in Mesopotamia, not Egypt, although it has similarities to the previous coinage of Okhos and Sabakes.
Sabakes, satrap of Egypt, dies at the Battle of Issos. Mazakes is appointed by Darius III to replace him.
Mazakes departs from Memphis and defeats the forces of Amyntas and kills him.
Mazakes surrenders Egypt to Alexander the Great.