Darius II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darius II𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎹𐎺𐎢𐏁 |
|
|---|---|
|
|
.jpg)
Darius II as depicted on his tomb in Naqsh-e Rostam
|
|
| King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire | |
| Reign | 423–404 BC |
| Predecessor | Sogdianus |
| Successor | Artaxerxes II |
| Pharaoh of Egypt | |
| Reign | 423–404 BC |
| Predecessor | Sogdianus |
| Successor | Amyrtaeus |
| Died | 404 BC |
| Spouse | Parysatis |
| Issue |
|
| Dynasty | Achaemenid |
| Father | Artaxerxes I |
| Mother | Cosmartidene of Babylon |
| Religion | Zoroastrianism |
Darius II (Old Persian: 𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎹𐎺𐎢𐏁 Dārayavaʰuš), also known by his birth name Ochus, was a powerful ruler of the Achaemenid Empire. He was known as the King of Kings and ruled from 423 BC to 404 BC. His empire was one of the largest in the ancient world.
Contents
Who Was Darius II?
Becoming King
Darius II's father, Artaxerxes I, died in 424 BC. After his death, there was a short period of trouble. Artaxerxes I was first followed by his son Xerxes II. However, Xerxes II was murdered by his half-brother, Sogdianus, after only a month and a half.
Ochus, who was another son of Artaxerxes I and a governor (called a satrap) of a region named Hyrcania, then rebelled against Sogdianus. Ochus defeated and killed Sogdianus. He also stopped another brother, Arsites, from trying to take the throne. After becoming king, Ochus took the royal name Darius.
Ruling the Empire
Historians do not know many details about Darius II's reign. We know that his wife, Parysatis, was very influential. She played a big role in the royal court.
One event mentioned by the ancient writer Xenophon was a rebellion by the Medes in 409 BC. This shows that even powerful empires faced challenges from within.
Darius II and Ancient Greece
Dealing with Athens
For a long time, Darius II did not get involved in the affairs of Ancient Greece. But things changed when Athens, a powerful Greek city-state, supported a rebel named Amorges in a region called Caria.
Darius II decided to act when Athens suffered a major defeat in Syracuse in 413 BC. This weakened Athens greatly. He then ordered his governors in Asia Minor, Tissaphernes and Pharnabazus, to collect overdue taxes from Greek cities. He also told them to start a war against Athens.
Alliance with Sparta
To fight Athens, the Persian governors made an alliance with Sparta, another powerful Greek city-state. In 408 BC, Darius II sent his son, Cyrus, to Asia Minor. Cyrus was sent to manage the war against Athens with more energy.
Darius II also took back control of Greek cities in Ionia (part of Asia Minor). Some Greek rulers who had been governing these cities were likely expelled. This showed Persia's growing power in the Aegean Sea.
A Greek Athlete's Visit
It is said that Darius II received a visit from a famous Greek athlete named Polydamas of Skotoussa. Polydamas was an Olympic champion known for his incredible strength. He reportedly showed his power by defeating three of the king's elite guards, known as Immortals, in front of Darius II. A sculpture showing this event can be seen in a museum today.
End of Reign
Darius II died in 404 BC. He had ruled for 19 years. After his death, his son, Artaxerxes II, became the new king of the Persian Empire.
Family of Darius II
Darius II had many children. Before he became king, he was married to the daughter of a man named Gobryas. They had four sons.
His most famous children were with his wife, Parysatis.
- Artaxerxes II (who became king after him)
- Cyrus the Younger (who later tried to take the throne from his brother)
- Ostanes
- Amestris
He also had other children with different wives.
Images for kids
-
Prospective Tomb of Darius II in Naqsh-e Rostam
