SAEDNEWS: Artakhe: A Prominent Figure of the Achaemenid Era and One of Iran’s First Engineers
According to the History and Culture Service of SaedNews, Artahe, or Artaheis, was an Iranian engineer during the Achaemenid period and one of the builders of Xerxes’ Canal. He passed away shortly after completing his work. Artaheis, the son of Artaeus, was an Achaemenid engineer of ancient Iran who lived around the 5th century BCE.
Artahe is best known for his key role in monumental engineering projects, most notably the construction of the Atos Gulf Canal. This canal was one of the marvels of ancient engineering, built to allow the Achaemenid naval fleet to pass through the Atos Gulf (in present-day Greece). The project was designed not only to facilitate transportation but also to mitigate the dangers of navigating the turbulent waters of the region. As a pioneering engineer, he embodied the technical expertise of the ancient Iranian civilization.
During his lifetime, Artahe earned considerable respect and prestige, and even after his death, Xerxes held a special ceremony in his honor. This highlights his important position within the Achaemenid court and the significance of engineers in that era.
Artahe stands as a symbol of creativity and innovation in the history of Iranian engineering, playing a critical role in transmitting this knowledge to other cultures and civilizations. He died while Xerxes I was campaigning in Atos. Deeply grieved by his loss, Xerxes organized a grand funeral for him and instructed his army to erect a mound in his memory. Reports suggest that this mound remained visible until the late 19th century. During the time of the historian Herodotus, the Akantians, following a prophecy, even sacrificed a hero in honor of Artaheis.
