Sogdianus (/ˌsɔːɡdiˈeɪnəs/ or/ˌsɒɡdiˈeɪnəs/;Ancient Greek:ΣογδιανόςSogdianos) was briefly aruler of theAchaemenid Empire for a period in 424–423 BC. His short rule—lasting not much more than six months—and the little recognition of his kingdom are known primarily from the writings ofCtesias; who is known to be unreliable. He was reportedly an illegitimate son ofArtaxerxes I by hisconcubine Alogyne ofBabylon.

Sogdianus
AchaemenidDaric, possibly under Sogdianus
King of Kings of theAchaemenid Empire, Pharaoh of Egypt
Reign	424 BC – 423 BC
Predecessor	Xerxes II
Successor	Darius II
Died	Persepolis,Persia
Dynasty	Achaemenid
Father	Artaxerxes I
Mother	Alogyne ofBabylon
Religion	Zoroastrianism

The last inscription mentioning Artaxerxes I being alive can be dated to December 24, 424 BC. His death resulted in at least three of his sons proclaiming themselvesKing of Kings. The first wasXerxes II, who was reportedly his only legitimate son byQueenDamaspia and was formerly the heir. Xerxes II's rule was apparently only recognized in the Persian heartlands. The second was Sogdianus himself, presumed to have initially been recognized only inElam. The third wasOchus, son of Artaxerxes I by hisconcubine Cosmartidene ofBabylon andsatrap ofHyrcania. Ochus was also married to their common half-sisterParysatis, daughter of Artaxerxes I and hisconcubine Andia ofBabylon. The first inscription of Ochus asDarius II can be dated to January 10, 423 BC. He seems to have been recognized byMedes,Babylonia andEgypt. If it is correct that all three declared themselves king at the same time, then the Achaemenid Empire had three King of Kings for a brief period.^[1][2]

This chaotic state of affairs would prove short-lived. Xerxes II only ruled for forty-five days. He was reportedly murdered while drunk by theeunuch Pharnacyas andMenostanes, conspirators who sided with Sogdianus, on his orders. According toCtesias, Pharnacyas had the greatest influence over Xerxes II, next toBagorazus and Menostanes.^[3]

Sogdianus apparently gained the support of his regions and reigned for six months and fifteen days before being captured by his half-brother, Ochus, who had rebelled against him feeling dishonoured he was passed up over Sogdianus for the throne—since he outranked the latter.

Sogdianus was executed by beingsuffocated in ash per Ochus' promise he would not die by the sword, by poison or by hunger. Pharnacyas was condemned to be stoned to death.^[4] "Menostanes was also arrested and condemned, but anticipated his fate by suicide.".^[5]

Ochus then ascended to the Achaemenid throne asDarius II; he was the sole ruler of the Persian Empire until 404 BC.^[2]

He is calledΣογδιανός byManetho andDiodorus Siculus, andΣεκυνδιανός byCtesias.^[6]

• Ctesias, 48, 52[1]
• Briant, Pierre, From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire (2002). Translated by Peter T. Daniels. Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns. ISBN 1-57506-031-0.
• Lendering, J., Xerxes II and Sogdianus: "[2]"