History of Artaxerxes II of Persia

Artaxerxes II, also called Artaxerxes Mnemon for his reputedly excellent memory, reigned as the King of Persia from 404 BC to 358 BC. His reign, spanning 46 years, is notable not only for its considerable length but also for its turbulent political landscape, marked by internal strife, rebellions, and shifting power dynamics within and outside the Achaemenid Empire. As a politician, Artaxerxes II’s leadership was defined by his efforts to maintain control over his vast empire amidst myriad challenges.

Artaxerxes II was born to Darius II and Parysatis and ascended to the throne under somewhat fraught circumstances. His accession was immediately challenged by his brother Cyrus the Younger, who harbored resentment at not being appointed successor to their father. This rivalry culminated in the famous Battle of Cunaxa in 401 BC. Cyrus, having amassed an army that included a significant contingent of Greek mercenaries, attempted to seize the throne by force. Despite the valor and effectiveness of Greek hoplites, Cyrus was killed in battle, securing Artaxerxes’ rule. This civil war, though brief, highlighted the precarious nature of succession and the underlying familial tensions typical of Achaemenid politics.

Artaxerxes II’s reign was characterized by numerous revolts in different parts of his empire, reflecting the complexities inherent in managing an extensive and diverse realm. The Ionian Revolt, for example, underscored Greece’s continued resistance to Persian domination. While the revolt itself was eventually quashed, it exemplified the ongoing hostility between Persia and the Greek city-states, a legacy of the Greco-Persian Wars. Moreover, the persistent unrest in Egypt, which repeatedly attempted to sever its ties to the Persian Empire, posed a formidable challenge. Despite Artaxerxes’ campaigns to subdue Egypt, it remained a thorn in the side of Persian hegemony throughout his rule.

As a statesman, Artaxerxes II relied heavily on diplomacy and strategic marriages to fortify his political position. He sought alliances with influential factions and leaders to consolidate his rule and expand Persian influence. His relationships with Greek city-states were particularly telling. He implemented the King’s Peace, also known as the Peace of Antalcidas, in 387 BC, which officially ended the Corinthian War—a protracted conflict involving Sparta, Athens, Thebes, and other Greek states. The peace treaty recognized Persian supremacy over the region, particularly asserting control over Ionia and Cyprus and mandating the independence of other Greek city-states, effectively fragmenting Greek opposition.

Artaxerxes’ ability to maneuver through these negotiations reflected his political acumen; he leveraged the perpetual infighting among Greek states to reassert Persian dominance without extensive military campaigns. This strategy of indirect rule and influence, deeply rooted in pragmatism, showcased Artaxerxes’ aptitude for realpolitik. In subsequent years, he manipulated intra-Hellenic affairs, supporting various Greek factions when it suited Persian interests, thus maintaining a degree of influence over the region without engaging in large-scale warfare.

Domestically, Artaxerxes II faced challenges in maintaining the loyalty of satraps and noble families, the cornerstone of Achaemenid administrative power. This internal tension was augmented by the traditional autonomy that satraps enjoyed, which frequently evolved into quasi-independent power bases. Artaxerxes dealt with numerous insurrections, such as that of Evagoras in Cyprus and the revolt in Lydia led by the satrap Orontes. These uprisings revealed the delicate balance required in asserting central authority while allowing regional governors enough leeway to effectively manage local governance.

Moreover, Artaxerxes II’s relationship with the Persian nobility and his own family was fraught with intrigue and betrayal. This was perhaps most tragically exemplified by the rivalry and enmity between his wife, Stateira, and his mother, Parysatis. This familial strife, often spilling over into the realm of governance, manifested in plots and assassinations, including Stateira’s eventual poisoning.

Artaxerxes II’s legacy as a politician is multifaceted. His reign was marked by resilience in the face of widespread discord and an adeptness at navigational compromise, cunning, and strategic alliances. Despite facing numerous challenges, both foreign and domestic, he succeeded in maintaining the integrity of the Achaemenid Empire for nearly half a century. His rule, while not marked by expansive conquests, underscored the potency of diplomatic over martial strategies in sustaining an empire’s longevity.

In sum, Artaxerxes II’s reign illustrates the complexities of ruling over a sprawling, multicultural empire beset by incessant internal and external challenges. His ability to adapt, negotiate, and manipulate the political environment ensured the survival of Persian supremacy during his lifetime. Though often overshadowed by more militaristic predecessors and successors, Artaxerxes II remains a quintessential example of a ruler whose political legacy was built on stability, cunning, and strategic foresight.