11 Tishrei 3240 – 20 September 522 BCE
Persia
Darius I of Persia executed the usurper Gaumata, establishing himself as legitimate ruler of the Persian Empire. Masquerading as the long-lost brother of Darius’ predecessor Cambyses, Gaumata had claimed the throne for himself. On the rocky cliffs ofMount Behistun, Darius inscribed his achievement in three languages – Elamite, ancient Persian, and Babylonian. The biblical book of Ezra credits him with authorizing construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and a daily sacrifice for the welfare of the reigning monarch was instituted in his honor after the sanctuary’s completion.