Artaxerxes II

Artaxerxes II was a prominent Achaemenid ruler who governed the Persian Empire from 404 BC to 358 BC. Known as Artaxerxes Mnemon, he was the son of Darius II and Parysatis. His reign, spanning over 45 years, is noted for its internal conflicts and external challenges, yet he successfully maintained the stability and continuity of the Persian Empire through strategic diplomacy and military endeavors.

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Historical Context

Artaxerxes II's reign occurred in a period marked by both internal strife and external confrontations. As the son of Darius II, he ascended to the throne amidst a turbulent political environment. The Achaemenid Empire was vast, stretching across diverse cultures and territories, which required adept management and diplomacy. This period was characterized by revolts within the empire and the ongoing conflict with Greek forces, illustrating the complex political landscape of the era.

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Reign and Historical Role

Artaxerxes II's reign began with a significant internal challenge—his brother Cyrus the Younger's revolt, aiming to usurp the throne. This culminated in the Battle of Cunaxa in 401 BC, where Cyrus was defeated and killed, solidifying Artaxerxes II's position as king. This event is well-documented in historical sources, most notably Xenophon's 'Anabasis'.

His reign also witnessed the Corinthian War (395-387 BC), wherein Artaxerxes II supported various Greek city-states against Sparta, utilizing strategic alliances to manage external threats. Additionally, he is credited with initiating numerous building projects, including the restoration of Susa and construction projects in other significant Achaemenid sites, which served to legitimize his rule and reinforce the empire's cultural and religious heritage.

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Historical Evidence

Artaxerxes II is well-attested through a variety of inscriptions and artifacts. Key inscriptions include the trilingual royal inscriptions at Susa and Hamadān/Ecbatana, such as A2Sa, A2Sd, A2Ha, and A2Hc. These inscriptions, found on monuments like column bases and a gold foundation tablet, provide invaluable insights into his reign. Specific archaeological finds, such as a column fragment from Hamadan now housed in the British Museum, further corroborate his historical presence. Additionally, Babylonian business and astronomical tablets assist in establishing the chronology of his reign.

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Biblical Significance

While Artaxerxes II himself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, his reign is contextually significant for understanding the Persian Empire's influence during the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The policies and stability of his reign facilitated the Jewish people's continued return and rebuilding efforts, as seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, although these efforts are more directly associated with his predecessors and successors.

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Historical Assessment

Artaxerxes II's reign is regarded as a period of both consolidation and challenge for the Persian Empire. Despite facing significant internal revolts and external threats, his strategic use of diplomacy and military power enabled the empire to maintain its vast territories. His contributions to cultural and religious continuity, alongside his efforts in strengthening central authority, underscore his significance as a ruler in the Achaemenid dynasty's history.

See also: Susa, Persepolis, Ezra, Nehemiah