Category:Artaxerses II (subject)
Artaxerses II was King of Persia, from 404 BCE to his death in 358 BCE.
- Persian Kings: ... -> Darius II -> Artaxerses II -> Artaxerses III -> ...
Overview
Artaxerses II was a son of Darius II and Parysatis.
After succeeding his father, he had to defend his position against his brother Cyrus the Younger, whom he defeated and killed in battle in 401 BCE.
He had also to repel an attempt of invasion by the Spartans, eventually reaching a peace agreement with them in 386 BCE.
His attempt in 373 BCE to regain control of Egypt, which had rebelled at the beginning of his reign, resulted in failure. He was able however to defeat their effort to conquer Phoenicia.
Artaxerses II died in 358 BCE and was succeeded by Artaxerses III.
Artaxerses II and Second Temple Judaism
As king of Persia, Artaxerses II was ruler of Judah. The mission of Ezra, if historical, seems better to be located during his kingdom. He (not Artaxerses I) is more likely the "Artaxerses" mentioned in the Ezra material. After the loss of Egypt, Artaxerses II had the necessity of strengthening the southern border of the Empire, in order to prevent the defection of Phoenicia. The privileges granted to the Jews of Jerusalem find their justification within this historical context.
In some legendary narratives, Artaxerses II is identified with the Persian king Ahasuerus of the Purim story in the Book of Esther.
Artaxerses II in ancient sources
- Artaxerses II (sources) -- survey of ancient sources
Artaxerses II in literature & the arts
In some legendary narratives, Artaxerses II is identified with the Persian king Ahasuerus of the Purim story in the Book of Esther.
- Artaxerses II (arts) -- survey of fictional works
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