A Corrupt Judge
Sisamnes was a judge in Persia during the reign of King Cambyses II in the 6th century BCE. He was accused of accepting a bribe in exchange for delivering an unfair ruling. When Cambyses discovered this, he ordered a severe punishment.
The King’s Judgment
Cambyses sentenced Sisamnes to be flayed alive as a warning against judicial corruption. His skin was removed while he was still alive, and it was later used to cover the chair where he had once passed judgment.
A Son Takes His Place
After Sisamnes’ execution, Cambyses appointed his son, Otanes, as the new judge. Otanes was required to sit on the chair covered with his father’s skin, a reminder of what happened to those who abused their position.
A Story Retold for Centuries
The Greek historian Herodotus documented the story of Sisamnes, making it one of the most infamous cases of judicial punishment in history. Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Gerard David, both Renaissance painters, later depicted the event in detailed artworks.
Sisamnes was a judge in Persia during the reign of King Cambyses II in the 6th century BCE. He was accused of accepting a bribe in exchange for delivering an unfair ruling. When Cambyses discovered this, he ordered a shocking and brutal punishment.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/UkIRFECTnt
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 16, 2025