Difference between revisions of "Category:Darius II (subject)"

From 4 Enoch: : The Online Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism, and Christian and Islamic Origins
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:


'''Darius II''' was King of Persia, from 423 BCE to his death in 404 BCE.
'''Darius II''' was King of Persia, from 423 BCE to his death in 404 BCE.
* [[Persian Kings]]: ... -> [[Artaxerses I]] -> ''Darius II'' -> [[Artaxerses II]] -> ...


==Overview==
==Overview==
Line 14: Line 17:
====Darius II and the Jews====
====Darius II and the Jews====


As King of Persia, Darius II ruled with Judah. It is likely that [[Nehemiah]]'s second mission extended to the beginning of Darius II' reign, and he (not [[Darius III]]) was the Darius recorded by Josephus in relation to the Samaritan schism.
As King of Persia, Darius II ruled with Judah. It is likely that [[Nehemiah]]'s second mission extended to the beginning of Darius II' reign, and he (not [[Darius III]]) was the Darius recorded by Josephus in relation to the Samaritan schism. The fact that Darius II continued to support [[Nehemiah]] seems to indicate that the reforms in Judah were more than a personal favor to a loyal officer. The attitude toward the [[Samaritan Schism]] however shows that the goal was not to side with one party only, but rather to reach a balance of power in the region. The direct involvement of the Persian king in religious affairs is proved also by Darius II's intervention, attested in the [[Elephantine Papyri]], as responsible for a rescript to the Persian satrap in Egypt about religious observance at the Jewish shrine there.
 
Darius II is also mentioned in the [[Elephantine Papyri]] as responsible for a rescript to the Persian satrap in Egypt about religious observance at the Jewish shrine there.


==In Depth==
== Darius II in ancient sources ==


* [[Darius II (sources)]]
* [[Darius II (sources)]] -- survey of ancient sources


==Related categories==
==Related categories==

Latest revision as of 09:55, 26 July 2012


Darius II was King of Persia, from 423 BCE to his death in 404 BCE.


Overview

Darius II was the satrap of Hyrcania and the illegitimate son of King Artaxerses I. When the latter died his son Xerses II succeeded him, but only to be killed by his brother Sogdianus. Darius II seized the opportunity; he rebelled and killed his half-brother Sogdianus and took power.

As long as Athens ruled unchallenged, Darius II did not mingle in Greek affairs. The conflict between Sparta and Athens gave him the opportunity to side with the Spartans and begin a war with Athens, which was carried on by his son Cyrus the Younger.

Darius II died in 404 BCE after a reign of 19 years and was succeeded by his son Artaxerses II.

Darius II and the Jews

As King of Persia, Darius II ruled with Judah. It is likely that Nehemiah's second mission extended to the beginning of Darius II' reign, and he (not Darius III) was the Darius recorded by Josephus in relation to the Samaritan schism. The fact that Darius II continued to support Nehemiah seems to indicate that the reforms in Judah were more than a personal favor to a loyal officer. The attitude toward the Samaritan Schism however shows that the goal was not to side with one party only, but rather to reach a balance of power in the region. The direct involvement of the Persian king in religious affairs is proved also by Darius II's intervention, attested in the Elephantine Papyri, as responsible for a rescript to the Persian satrap in Egypt about religious observance at the Jewish shrine there.

Darius II in ancient sources

Related categories

External links

This category currently contains no pages or media.