Bagoas

(Βαγώας). An Egyptian eunuch, highly trusted and favoured by Artaxerxes III. Ochus, whom he poisoned, B.C. 338, giving his flesh to cats, because he had killed the sacred bull, Apis (q.v.). He was put to death by Darius III. Codomannus, whom he had attempted likewise to destroy, 336. The name Bagoas frequently occurs in Persian history, and is sometimes used by Latin writers as synonymous with eunuchus, which indeed seems to be the original meaning of the Persian word.