Artaxerxes Kings of the Achaemenid Dynasty

The name "Artaxerxes" was borne by three prominent kings of the Achaemenid Empire during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE: Artaxerxes I Longimanus, Artaxerxes II Mnemon, and Artaxerxes III Ochus. These rulers were central figures in the empire's history, playing crucial roles in both its territorial conflicts and internal affairs. Their reigns were marked by wars, political intrigue, rebellion, and ultimately, the decline of the Achaemenid dynasty, setting the stage for the eventual conquests of Alexander the Great.

Leonardo da Vinci, musician (Strongoli, Catanzaro, c. 1696 - Naples 1730)

Beyond their political and military legacies, the name Artaxerxes also found its way into cultural works, most notably in the opera world. The opera Artaserse, written by Pietro Metastasio and first performed in 1730 with music by Leonardo Vinci, dramatizes events at the Persian court. It depicts themes of betrayal, power struggles, and the intricate politics of succession that characterized the reigns of these Persian kings. This work became a significant piece in the history of baroque opera, further embedding the name Artaxerxes into European cultural memory.

Artaxerxes I was king of the Persian Empire from 464 BC to 424 BC.

Artaxerxes I Longimanus (465–424 BCE)

Artaxerxes I, known as "Longimanus" (meaning "long-armed"), assumed the throne after the assassination of his father, Xerxes I. His reign began with significant internal and external challenges. He faced a major rebellion in Egypt led by Inaros, which was backed by Athens. Although he eventually managed to quell the revolt, the conflicts with the Greek states persisted.
One of the most notable achievements of Artaxerxes I was the signing of the Peace of Callias in 449 BCE, which ended the Greco-Persian Wars. This treaty marked a turning point by ceasing hostilities between Persia and Athens, with both sides agreeing to respect their respective spheres of influence in Asia Minor.
Artaxerxes I is also mentioned in historical and biblical texts, notably in the accounts of Ezra and Nehemiah. These Jewish leaders sought his support for the restoration of Jerusalem and its walls, highlighting his influence over the region's religious and administrative affairs. His governance style largely followed the methods of his predecessors but faced increasing pressure due to the high taxation imposed on the satrapies, which fueled discontent across the empire.

Artaxerxes II between Mitra and Ahura Mazda, rock survey of Taq-e-Bostan (Iran)

Artaxerxes II Mnemon (404–358 BCE)

Artaxerxes II Mnemon's reign was characterized by continuous strife, both within his family and against foreign powers. His early years as king were marked by conflict with his brother, Cyrus the Younger, who sought to overthrow him. The rivalry culminated in the Battle of Cunaxa in 401 BCE, where Cyrus was killed, but the event exposed the Persian Empire's vulnerability as Greek mercenaries fought deep within Persian territory.
During his reign, Artaxerxes II faced wars with Sparta and other Greek states, leading to the imposition of the Peace of Antalcidas in 386 BCE. This treaty reasserted Persian influence over the Greek cities in Asia Minor and demonstrated Artaxerxes II's skill in using diplomacy and alliances to maintain control over his territories, despite the empire's weakening military power.
Artaxerxes II also struggled to retain Egypt, which had declared its independence. Several military campaigns to reclaim it were unsuccessful, underscoring the declining effectiveness of Persian military force during his era. His reign, though marked by some successes, highlighted the internal fractures and growing instability within the empire.

The king of Persia Artaxerxes III Ochos (died 338 BCE) Miniature taken from 'Paralleles of illustrious men' from Plutarch (46-125 CE) (MS XV. 1) 15th century. Cesena, Biblioteca Malatestiana

Artaxerxes III Ochus (358–338 BCE)

Artaxerxes III, also known as Ochus, ascended to the throne with a reputation for ruthlessness. He consolidated his power by executing numerous members of his own family to eliminate potential rivals. His reign was defined by aggressive military campaigns and a relentless effort to reconsolidate Persian control over rebellious regions.
One of his major achievements was the reconquest of Egypt in 343 BCE, which had remained independent for nearly sixty years. His methods were brutal but effective, reinforcing the central authority of the Achaemenid Empire. However, despite his success in Egypt, the broader stability of the empire continued to erode.
Artaxerxes III's reign ended dramatically when he was poisoned by his court eunuch, Bagoas, who feared losing his influence over the emperor. This assassination led to further political chaos, weakening the empire's structure just as Macedonia under Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great, began to rise in power.

The Decline of the Achaemenid Empire

The era of the Artaxerxes kings marked the beginning of the end for the Persian Empire. Despite their efforts to control internal dissent and external threats, their reigns were plagued by political instability, high taxation, and constant revolts. The weakening of Persian authority set the stage for the rapid and decisive campaigns of Alexander the Great, who eventually conquered the Persian Empire, marking the end of Achaemenid rule in 330 BCE.

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Last update: October 17, 2024

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