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Darius II

Background

Darius II, also known as Darius II Ochus, was a ruler of the Achaemenid Empire who reigned from 423 to 404 BCE. His rule came during a period of internal strife and external challenges, and his interactions with ancient Egypt were marked by both conflict and administrative efforts. Here is an overview of Darius II and his interactions with ancient Egypt:

Background

1. Achaemenid Empire:

   • The Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, was one of the largest and most influential empires of the ancient world, spanning from the Balkans and Eastern Europe to the Indus Valley.
   • By the time of Darius II's accession, the empire had experienced significant internal divisions and external threats, including revolts and conflicts with Greek city-states.

2. Early Life and Accession:

   • Darius II was originally named Ochus and was a son of Artaxerxes I. He was not the initial heir but ascended the throne after the death of his half-brother Xerxes II and the subsequent assassination of Sogdianus.
   • His accession involved eliminating rivals and consolidating power within the Achaemenid court.

Reign of Darius II

1. Internal Challenges:

   • Darius II's reign was plagued by internal strife, including revolts in various parts of the empire and factional conflicts within the court.
   • He faced challenges from satraps (provincial governors) who sought greater autonomy and power.

2. External Conflicts:

   • During his reign, the Achaemenid Empire was involved in the ongoing conflicts with the Greek city-states, particularly during the Peloponnesian War. Persia played a significant role in these conflicts by supporting different Greek factions to weaken them.

Interactions with Egypt

1. Egyptian Revolt:

   • One of the most significant challenges Darius II faced was the revolt in Egypt. The Egyptians, resentful of Persian rule and influenced by local leaders, sought to regain their independence.
   • Around 404 BCE, the Egyptian revolt succeeded, leading to the temporary expulsion of Persian forces from Egypt and the establishment of native rule under Amyrtaeus, who founded the 28th Dynasty.

2. Persian Administration in Egypt:

   • Before the successful revolt, Darius II continued the administrative practices of his predecessors by maintaining the satrapy system in Egypt. The satraps were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and overseeing local governance.
   • Despite the efforts to integrate Egyptian traditions and respect local customs, Persian rule was often met with resistance due to heavy taxation and cultural differences.

3. Military Campaigns:

   • Darius II's reign saw military efforts to suppress revolts and maintain control over the satrapies, including Egypt. However, these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful in Egypt, leading to its temporary independence.

Legacy and Impact on Egypt

1. Short-lived Independence:

   • The successful revolt in 404 BCE resulted in a brief period of independence for Egypt under native rule. Amyrtaeus, the leader of the revolt, became the pharaoh, and his rule marked the start of the 28th Dynasty.
   • This period of independence was short-lived, as Persia reconquered Egypt a few decades later under Artaxerxes III, reestablishing Persian control until the conquest by Alexander the Great.

2. Cultural and Administrative Impact:

   • Persian influence during Darius II's reign and earlier periods left a lasting impact on Egyptian administration and culture. Persian administrative practices, including the satrapy system, continued to influence local governance.
   • The interactions between Persians and Egyptians led to a degree of cultural exchange, although Persian rule was often viewed unfavorably by the native population.

3. Historical Significance:

   • Darius II's reign highlights the challenges of maintaining a vast and diverse empire. His struggles with internal revolts and external conflicts underscore the difficulties faced by the Achaemenid rulers in controlling distant provinces like Egypt.
   • The Egyptian revolt and subsequent temporary independence illustrate the persistent resistance to foreign rule and the desire for self-governance among the Egyptian people.

Summary

Darius II, who ruled from 423 to 404 BCE, was a significant yet troubled ruler of the Achaemenid Empire. His reign was marked by internal strife, factional conflicts, and external challenges, including the successful revolt in Egypt that led to a brief period of independence under the 28th Dynasty. Despite attempts to maintain control through the satrapy system and military campaigns, Darius II's efforts were ultimately unsuccessful in Egypt. His interactions with Egypt reflect the broader challenges faced by the Achaemenid Empire in managing its vast and diverse territories, and his reign underscores the complexities of Persian-Egyptian relations during the later period of the empire.