Darius II

Background

Darius II was a king of the Achaemenid Empire between 423 BCE and 405 BCE. The reign of Darius II is wrought with contention and political turmoil. When Artaxerxes I died on December 25th, 424 BCE he was succeeded in rule by his son Xerxes II. After ruling over the Achaemenid Empire for about a month and a half Xerxes II was murdered by his brother named Secydianus or Sogdianus.

Not much is known about the reign of Darius II. It was documented by Xenophon that Media rebelled in 409 BCE. In regards to Greece, Darius II did not interfere with their affairs as long as Athens was in power. Darius II died in 405 BCE during the nineteenth year of his reign and was succeeded by Artaxerxes II Mnemnon.

Darius II, also known as Darius II Nothus, was a king of the Achaemenid Empire who reigned from 423 to 404 BCE. He was the son of Artaxerxes I and a grandson of Xerxes I, making him a member of the Achaemenid dynasty, which ruled over the Persian Empire. Here's an overview of Darius II and his significance. Darius II was born into the Achaemenid royal family, which had ruled the Persian Empire for several generations. His father, Artaxerxes I, was one of the earlier kings of the dynasty. Darius II came to power in 423 BCE following the death of his father, Artaxerxes I. His reign began during a period of political instability and internal strife within the Persian Empire.

Satrapal Rebellions:

Darius II faced numerous challenges to his authority, including rebellions by powerful satraps (provincial governors) within the empire. One of the most notable rebellions was led by Cyrus the Younger, a younger brother of Darius II who sought to usurp the throne. During Darius II's reign, the Persian Empire continued to be engaged in conflicts with Greek city-states, particularly Athens and its allies. Darius II provided support to Spartan forces during the Peloponnesian War, which was fought between Athens and Sparta and their respective allies.

Peace of Callias:

Darius II played a role in negotiating the Peace of Callias, a peace treaty between Persia and Athens that effectively ended the Persian support for Sparta.The treaty contributed to a period of relative stability in the eastern Mediterranean region. Despite facing internal rebellions and external conflicts, Darius II's reign saw efforts to stabilize the Persian Empire and maintain its territorial integrity. His ability to navigate complex political challenges contributed to the preservation of Persian power.

Continuation of Achaemenid Rule:

Darius II's reign marked a continuation of Achaemenid rule, which had been established by his ancestors. While not as illustrious as some of his predecessors, Darius II's reign played a role in shaping the political landscape of the Near East during this period. Information about Darius II and his reign is derived from ancient texts, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence. Greek historians such as Herodotus and Xenophon provide valuable insights into the events of his reign. Historians and scholars analyze and interpret the available evidence to reconstruct the reign of Darius II and its significance within the broader context of ancient Persian history.

While some details may be speculative or subject to debate, Darius II's role as a king of the Achaemenid Empire is generally accepted. In summary, Darius II was a king of the Achaemenid Empire who ruled during a period of political challenges and external conflicts. His reign saw efforts to stabilize the empire and navigate complex diplomatic relationships with Greek city-states. Despite facing internal rebellions and external pressures, Darius II's reign contributed to the continuation of Achaemenid rule in the Near East.