Darius II, originally known as Ochus, ascended to the position of King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire in 423 BC following a period of intense internal instability. His reign, lasting until 405 or 404 BC, was defined by the suppression of repeated satrapal revolts and a strategic pivot in Persian policy toward the ongoing Greek Peloponnesian War.
Accession and Internal Consolidation
The transition of power following the death of Artaxerxes I occurred between December 424 BC and February 423 BC. Darius secured the throne against his half-brothers, Xerxes II and Sogdianus, with the support of key military and political figures, including Arsames, the Satrap of Egypt, and the eunuch Artoxares. Upon seizing authority, Darius faced further opposition from his brother Arsites and the satrap Artyphius. After two initial military failures, forces commanded by Artasyrus successfully subdued the rebellion through a combination of bribery and battlefield victory. Both leaders were subsequently executed by immersion in hot ashes.
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The early years of the reign were marked by significant regional unrest. The Satrap of Lydia, Pissuthnes, rebelled with the assistance of Greek mercenaries commanded by Lycon. Tissaphernes, a son of Hydarnes, neutralized this threat by convincing the mercenaries to defect, resulting in the surrender and execution of Pissuthnes. Later, Pissuthnes’ son, Amorges, prolonged the defiance in Iasus until Persian forces, allied with Sparta, regained control in 412 BC. Further instability emerged in Armenia when Terituchmes, the successor to Hydarnes, revolted after failing to orchestrate a coup against his royal wife, Amestris. Udiastes subsequently suppressed this rebellion, killing Terituchmes and his supporters.
Foreign Policy and Conflict with Athens
Darius maintained a policy of non-interference in Greek affairs for the initial phase of his rule, confirming peace agreements with Athens. This changed following the Athenian failure during the expedition to Sicily in 413 BC. Darius directed his satraps, Tissaphernes and Pharnabazus II, to recover overdue tribute from Greek cities and initiate hostilities against Athens. This campaign included an alliance with Sparta and the eventual deployment of his son, Cyrus, to Asia Minor in 408 BC to escalate military efforts. By 412 BC, these maneuvers allowed the Achaemenid Empire to reclaim significant portions of Ionia.
Fast facts
- Born: -474, Persis
- Died: -403, Babylon
- Burial site: Naqsh-e Rustam
- Titles held: King of Kings, pharaoh
- Religion: Mazdaism
- Reign period: 423 BC to 404 BC
Questions readers ask
Why was he sometimes referred to as Darius Nothos?
Greek sources used the term Nothos, meaning bastard, in reference to his debated royal lineage.
What role did his wife play in his administration?
Darius was considered quite dependent on his wife, Parysatis, who frequently advised him on matters of state and the handling of political rivals.
Achievements
- pharaoh
- King of Kings (from -0423)
