| Xerxes II 𐎧𐏁𐎹𐎠𐎼𐏁𐎠 | |
|---|---|
_(Cropped).jpg) Achaemenid coin minted atSardis, possibly under Xerxes II | |
| King of Kings of theAchaemenid Empire, Pharaoh of Egypt | |
| Reign | 424 BC (45 days) |
| Predecessor | Artaxerxes I |
| Successor | Sogdianus |
| Died | 424 BC Persepolis,Persia |
| Dynasty | Achaemenid |
| Father | Artaxerxes I |
| Mother | Damaspia |
| Religion | Zoroastrianism |
Xerxes II (/ˈzɜːrksiːz/ZURK-seez;Old Persian:𐎧𐏁𐎹𐎠𐎼𐏁𐎠,romanized: Xšayār̥šā;Ancient Greek:Ξέρξης,romanized: Xérxēs; died 424 BC) was aPersian king who was very briefly a ruler of theAchaemenid Empire, as the son and successor ofArtaxerxes I.
After a reign of forty-five days—where he only had control over the Persian heartlands—he was assassinated in 424 BC by his half-brotherSogdianus, who in turn was murdered byDarius II six months later. He is an obscure historical figure known primarily from the writings ofCtesias. He was the only legitimate son ofArtaxerxes I andDamaspia, and is known to have served ascrown prince.
The last inscription mentioning Artaxerxes I being alive can be dated to 424 BC. He succeeded to the throne but two of his illegitimate brothers claimed the throne for themselves. The first wasSogdianus, Artaxerxes I's son by hisconcubine Alogyne ofBabylon. The second was Darius II, Artaxerxes I's son by his concubine Cosmartidene of Babylon, who was married to their common half-sisterParysatis, daughter of Artaxerxes I and his concubine Andia of Babylon.[1]
Xerxes II was only recognized as king inPersia and Sogdianus inElam. Ochus' first inscription asDarius II can be dated to January 10, 423 BC. He was alreadysatrap ofHyrcania and was soon recognized byMedia,Babylonia andEgypt. Xerxes II only ruled forty-five days. He was murdered while drunk by Sogdianus, with help from Pharnacyas andMenostanes, who had great influence over him according toCtesias.[2] Sogdianus gained the support of his regions, but was killed a few months later. Darius II became the sole ruler of the Persian Empire and reigned until 404 BC.[1]
Xerxes II Died: 424 BC | ||
| Preceded by | King of Kings of Persia 424 BC | Succeeded by |
| Pharaoh of Egypt XXVII Dynasty 424 BC | ||
Rulers in theAchaemenid Empire | ||
|---|---|---|
Family tree - Achaemenid Kingdom | ||
| Kings of Kings of theAchaemenid Empire |  | |
| Satraps ofLydia | ||
| Satraps ofHellespontine Phrygia | ||
| Satraps ofCappadocia | ||
| Greek Governors ofAsia Minor cities | ||
| Dynasts ofLycia | ||
| Dynasts ofCaria | ||
| Kings ofMacedonia | ||
| Kings of Tyre | ||
| Kings of Sidon |
| |
| Satraps ofArmenia | ||
| Satraps ofEgypt | ||
| Satraps ofBactria | ||
| Satraps ofMedia | ||
| Satraps ofCilicia | ||
| Other known satraps | ||
In most territories, Achaemenid rulers were succeeded byHellenistic satraps andHellenistic rulers from around 330 BC | ||
