Darius II
Who was Darius II?
The ninth Achaemenid emperor (423–404 BC)
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Darius II (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Darius II, originally named Ochus, ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 423 BC until his death in 405 or 404 BC. He was born in Persis, the core of the Persian Empire, and came to power after a struggle following the death of his father Artaxerxes I in 424 or 423 BC. After defeating his rival brothers, Ochus took the name Darius. Greek sources often called him Darius Nothos, or 'the Bastard', likely questioning his legitimacy or maternal background.
During his reign, Darius II faced ongoing internal rebellions and external conflicts, putting the empire's stability to the test. Several satraps in Persian territories revolted against the central authority, forcing Darius to spend significant resources maintaining control. Issues on the western frontier were particularly troublesome as Darius got involved in the Peloponnesian War, supporting various Greek city-states to weaken Athens' naval power and reassert Persian influence in the Aegean area.
Darius II's marriage to Parysatis was a key part of his reign. Sources, especially those from Ctesias, indicate that Darius was significantly swayed by his queen, who held substantial political power behind the scenes. These accounts also describe palace plots and harem schemes involving both the king and queen, revealing a court filled with intrigue. Parysatis influenced not only domestic issues but also played a role in state policy and succession decisions.
Darius II's reign is mentioned in various records such as the Elephantine papyri, which connect him with Johanan, the high priest in the biblical book of Ezra. Scholars debate whether certain Hebrew Bible passages in Haggai, Zechariah, and Ezra-Nehemiah refer to Darius II or Darius the Great, his predecessor. Darius II died in Babylon in 405 or 404 BC, leaving an empire that, while still strong, faced growing internal and external challenges that would eventually lead to its decline under his successors.
Before Fame
Born in Persis as Prince Ochus, the future Darius II grew up during the peak of Achaemenid power under his father Artaxerxes I. As a younger son in the royal family, his path to the throne was not set, and he likely received the usual education of Persian nobility—military training, administrative skills, and learning the Zoroastrian religious traditions that guided the empire.
When Artaxerxes I died in 424 or 423 BC, the empire faced a succession crisis with several princes competing for control. Ochus emerged as the winner of this struggle among brothers, showing the political skill and military strength that would mark his later reign. He took the throne name Darius to link himself to the great empire-builder Darius I, although his contested rise to power earned him the unflattering Greek nickname 'Nothos.'
Key Achievements
- Successfully claimed the Achaemenid throne after defeating his brothers in a succession war following Artaxerxes I's death
- Maintained Persian territorial integrity despite numerous satrap revolts throughout his 19-year reign
- Intervened strategically in the Peloponnesian War, providing crucial support to Sparta against Athens
- Preserved Persian influence in the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean regions during a period of Greek resurgence
- Managed the empire's relationship with Jewish communities, as documented in contemporary Elephantine papyri
Did You Know?
- 01.Greek sources called him 'Darius Nothos' meaning 'Darius the Bastard' due to questions about his legitimacy
- 02.The Elephantine papyri, discovered in Egypt, provide contemporary documentation of his reign and mention him alongside Jewish high priest Johanan
- 03.His wife Parysatis was so influential that ancient sources suggest she effectively co-ruled the empire with him
- 04.He supported Sparta against Athens in the Peloponnesian War, providing crucial funding that helped Sparta build a navy
- 05.Some biblical scholars debate whether references to 'Darius' in the books of Haggai and Zechariah refer to him or to Darius the Great