Spithridates (Spithridates' Axe)

Spithridates (??? BC - 317 BC) was a Persian nobleman from Asia Minor best know for killing Alexander, the leader of the Macedonian invasion of 334 BC, in the battle of the Granicus river. He also played a significant role in putting down the revolts throughout Asia Minor following the Macedonian invasion. Spithridates was assassinated by a Lydian spy while campaigning in Lydia. By the time of his death he had pacified most lands east of the Halys river.