11 Facts About Artabazos II

Artabazos II was the son of the Persian satrap of Hellespontine Phrygia Pharnabazus II, and younger kinsman of Ariobarzanes of Phrygia who revolted against Artaxerxes II around 356 BC.

Artabazos II's first wife was an unnamed Greek woman from Rhodes, sister of the two mercenaries Mentor of Rhodes and Memnon of Rhodes.

In 362 BC, Artabazos was sent by Artaxerxes II to capture Datames, the satrap of Cappadocia, who had joined in the Satraps' revolt in which Artabazus' brother, Ariobarzanes, was a participant.

Artabazos II then became involved in a revolt against the king and against other satraps who acknowledged the authority of Artaxerxes III.

Artabazos II was at first supported by Chares, an Athenian general, and his mercenaries, whom he rewarded very generously.

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The gold coinage of Artabazos II is thought to have been issued specifically to reward the troops of Chares.

Later, Artabazos II was supported by the Thebans, who sent him 5,000 men under Pammenes.

Mentor and Memnon, two brothers-in-law of Artabazos II, who had supported him, still continued the revolt, as they were aided by the Athenian mercenary leader, Charidemus.

Artabazos II, who was 37, and his family were exiled at the court of Philip II for about ten years, from 352 to 342, and during that time Artabazos II became acquainted with the future Alexander the Great.

Artabazos II took part in the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC, and afterwards accompanied Darius on his flight from Alexander's Macedonian armies.

In 328 BC, Artabazos II resigned his satrapy, which was given to Cleitus the Black.