27 Facts About Artaxerxes II

Artaxerxes II was the son and successor of Darius II and his mother was Parysatis.

The given name of Artaxerxes II was, as rendered in Greek, Arses, derived from the Old Persian *Rsa-.

The life and reign of Artaxerxes II is mostly attested in classical Greek sources, which generally focuses on the history of the western front.

Plutarch, when writing his Life of Artaxerxes II, used Ctesias, Dinon, Xenophon, and a few others as references.

Artaxerxes II's mother was Parysatis, a half-sister of Darius II.

Artaxerxes II succeeded Tissaphernes as the commander-in-chief of the Persian force stationed at Castolus, east of the city of Sardis.

Artaxerxes II further adds that she attempted to convince Darius II to choose Cyrus as his heir, as the position was still vacant.

Artaxerxes II initially wanted to resolve the conflict peacefully, but the negotiations fell through.

Artaxerxes II defended his position against his brother Cyrus the Younger, who with the aid of a large army of Greek mercenaries called the "Ten Thousand", attempted to usurp the throne.

Artaxerxes II became involved in a war with Persia's erstwhile allies, the Spartans, during the Corinthian War.

In 386 BC, Artaxerxes II betrayed his allies and came to an arrangement with Sparta, and in the Treaty of Antalcidas, he forced his erstwhile allies to come to terms.

In 377 BC, Pharnabazus was reassigned by Artaxerxes II to help command a military expedition into rebellious Egypt, having proven his ability against the Spartans.

Artaxerxes II withdrew with the troops under his command into Cappadocia, and made common cause with the other satraps who were revolting from Persia.

Artaxerxes II finally quashed the revolt of the satraps by 362 BC.

Artaxerxes II sent Philiscus of Abydos, a hyparch and military commander of the Achaemenid satrap Ariobarzanes, to Delphi in order to help the Greek negotiate peace.

Artaxerxes II probably provided funds to the Athenians and promised them, on behalf of the King, to help them recover the Chersonese militarily.

Artaxerxes II restored the Palace of Darius I at Susa, and the fortifications; including a strong redoubt at the south-east corner of the enclosure and gave Ecbatana a new apadana and sculptures.

The tomb of Artaxerxes II is located at Persepolis, and was built on the model of his predecessors at Naqsh-e Rustam.

Artaxerxes II was thus the first known Achaemenid king to recognize Anahita, who was the divinity of "the Waters" and hence associated with fertility, healing and wisdom.

Artaxerxes II promoted the worship of Anahita, erecting temples and statues of the goddess across the empire.

The Persian Empire under Artaxerxes II was viewed as a political power that had many unfortunate complications, such as the many wars with Greece.

Artaxerxes II was remembered for his works to restore monuments of his predecessors.

Artaxerxes II would be remembered for his tomb in Persepolis.

Amongst others, it has been suggested that Artaxerxes II was the Ahasuerus mentioned in the Book of Esther.

The 13th century Syriac historian Bar-Hebraeus in his Chronography, identifies Ahasuerus as Artaxerxes II citing the sixth century AD historian John of Ephesus.

Artaxerxes II is reported to have had a number of wives.

Artaxerxes II is said to have more than 115 sons from 350 wives.