# Artaxerxes II

> The 10th Achaemenid Emperor (404–358 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q188472](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q188472)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artaxerxes_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/artaxerxes-ii

## Summary

Artaxerxes II (also known as Artaxerxes II Mnemon) was the 10th Achaemenid Emperor of Persia, ruling from 404 to 358 BC. He was a king of the Achaemenid Empire, one of the largest and most influential empires of the ancient world, and is notable for his long reign and the complex political landscape he navigated during the Greek-Persian conflicts.

## Biography

- **Born:** 453 BC or 452 BC (exact date uncertain)
- **Died:** February or March 358 BC
- **Nationality:** Persian (Achaemenid Empire)
- **Education:** Traditional royal education within the Achaemenid court
- **Known for:** Being the 10th Achaemenid Emperor; ruling during the later classical period of the Persian Empire; navigating conflicts with Greek city-states
- **Employer(s):** Achaemenid Empire (ruled as Emperor)
- **Field(s):** Monarchy / Imperial Rule

## Contributions

Artaxerxes II's reign encompassed several significant developments in the Achaemenid Empire. His rule spanned a period of approximately 46 years, making him one of the longer-reigning Achaemenid kings. During his reign, he maintained the administrative structures of the empire and dealt with various challenges, including conflicts with Greek states and internal succession disputes. The empire during his reign encompassed territories spanning from the Indus Valley in the east to Egypt and Libya in the west, maintaining the territorial integrity established by his predecessors.

## FAQs

**What was Artaxerxes II's full name and titles?**
Artaxerxes II was also known as Artaxerxes II Mnemon, a name derived from the Greek word meaning "the Rememberer" or "the Mindful," suggesting he was known for his memory or mental faculties.

**What was the Achaemenid Empire?**
The Achaemenid Empire was an Iranian (Persian) empire that existed from approximately 550 to 330 BC, founded by Cyrus the Great and considered one of the largest empires in history, spanning three continents.

**When did Artaxerxes II rule?**
Artaxerxes II ruled as the 10th Achaemenid Emperor from 404 BC until his death in 358 BC, a reign of approximately 46 years.

**What was Artaxerxes II's relationship to earlier Persian kings?**
Artaxerxes II was part of the Achaemenid dynasty, the royal house of ancient Persia that ruled the Achaemenid Empire for over two centuries.

**What major events occurred during Artaxerxes II's reign?**
During his reign, the Persian Empire continued to interact with Greek city-states, including the Corinthian War (395-387 BC) and subsequent diplomatic engagements. His reign followed the period of the Peloponnesian War and preceded the rise of Macedon under Philip II.

## Why They Matter

Artaxerxes II's significance lies in his position as ruler of the Achaemenid Empire during a critical transitional period in ancient history. His reign bridged the classical Greek period and the later Hellenistic era. The Achaemenid Empire under his rule represented one of the ancient world's most sophisticated administrative systems, with satrapies, the Royal Road, and a multicultural approach to governance that influenced later empires. Without his long and relatively stable reign, the political landscape of the Near East and Eastern Mediterranean during the 4th century BC might have developed quite differently, potentially affecting the subsequent interactions between Persian and Greek powers.

## Notable For

- Being the 10th Achaemenid Emperor, continuing the dynasty founded by Cyrus the Great
- Ruling for approximately 46 years (404-358 BC), one of the longer Achaemenid reigns
- Being known as "Mnemon" (the Rememberer) in Greek sources
- Ruling during the later classical period when the Achaemenid Empire remained a major world power
- Being a direct successor in the Achaemenid line of kings

## Body

### Early Life and Accession

Artaxerxes II was born in 453 or 452 BC into the Achaemenid royal family. He ascended to the throne in 404 BC following the death of his predecessor, becoming the 10th emperor of the Achaemenid dynasty. The Achaemenid Empire at this time was a vast multicultural realm that had been established by Cyrus the Great in the mid-6th century BC and expanded significantly under Darius I and Xerxes I.

### Reign and Political Context

As emperor, Artaxerxes II governed an empire that encompassed diverse territories including modern-day Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Libya, parts of Arabia, Central Asia, the Indus Valley, and portions of the Balkans. His reign coincided with significant developments in the Greek world, including the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War and the subsequent Corinthian War, in which Persia played a crucial mediating role.

### The Name "Mnemon"

The epithet "Mnemon" (Greek: Μνήμων) attached to Artaxerxes II in historical sources translates to "the Rememberer" or "the Mindful." This nickname suggests that he was recognized for his memory or intellectual capabilities, though the specific reasons for this designation are not fully detailed in the available source material.

### Historical Significance

Artaxerxes II's reign represented a continuation of Achaemenid rule during a complex period of ancient history. The empire maintained its territorial extent and administrative systems throughout his reign. His death in 358 BC marked the end of a significant chapter in Achaemenid history, with his successor continuing the dynasty until the empire's eventual conquest by Alexander the Great.

### Cultural and Historical Legacy

The Achaemenid Empire under Artaxerxes II represented one of antiquity's most sophisticated political entities, characterized by its administrative innovations, religious tolerance, and extensive trade networks. The period of his rule saw continued cultural exchange between Persia and Greece, influencing subsequent developments in art, philosophy, and political thought across the ancient world.

### Identifiers and Documentation

Artaxerxes II is documented in numerous modern databases and reference systems, including Wikidata (where he is identified as a human entity and king), various national library systems, and academic databases. His historical records appear in collections pertaining to ancient history, classical studies, and Near Eastern studies. The available documentation reflects his significance in ancient historical records and ongoing scholarly interest in the Achaemenid period.

## References

1. Q45274560
2. Source
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://figshare.mq.edu.au/articles/thesis/Artaxerxes_II/19443077?file=34543337)
5. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20090226205312/http://www.livius.org/arl-arz/artaxerxes/artaxerxes_ii_mnemon.html)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. IdRef
8. Library of Congress Control Number
9. Compendium historiae in genealogia Christi