Category:Darius II (subject)
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.
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
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