Mardian

Mardian was a eunuch in the court of Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator in ancient Egypt. He is best known for his role in the assassination of Pompey the Great in 48 BC.

After Pompey's defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus, he fled to Egypt seeking refuge. Ptolemy XIII, influenced by his advisors, including Mardian, decided to assassinate Pompey in an attempt to gain favor with Julius Caesar, Pompey's rival. Mardian was among those who carried out the assassination upon Pompey's arrival.

Mardian's motive is typically presented as political expediency. He, along with other court officials, perceived that killing Pompey was the most advantageous course of action for Ptolemy XIII's reign. He likely believed that this would earn Caesar's gratitude and protect Ptolemy's position on the Egyptian throne.

His actions, however, ultimately proved to be a miscalculation. Caesar was reportedly displeased with the murder of Pompey, as it denied him the opportunity to show clemency and potentially reconcile with his former adversary. The assassination contributed to the instability and political intrigue that characterized Ptolemaic Egypt during Caesar's involvement.

Mardian's subsequent fate is not definitively known. Historical accounts do not detail his life beyond his participation in Pompey's assassination.