# Artaxerxes III

> The 11th Achaemenid Emperor (358–338 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q192867](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192867)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artaxerxes_III)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/artaxerxes-iii

## Summary

Artaxerxes III (also known as Artaxerxes III Ochus) was the 11th emperor of the Achaemenid Empire, ruling from 358 BC to 338 BC. As a sovereign leader of the Iranian (Persian) empire that existed from 550–330 BC, he reigned during the final centuries of one of the ancient world's most powerful and influential civilizations.

## Biography

- **Born:** Unknown date and place
- **Nationality:** Persian (Achaemenid Empire)
- **Education:** Not specified in source material
- **Known for:** Ruling as the 11th Achaemenid Emperor during the late period of the Persian Empire
- **Employer(s):** Achaemenid Empire
- **Field(s):** Monarchy / Imperial Rule

## Contributions

Based on the available source material, specific contributions, publications, or projects for Artaxerxes III are not detailed in the provided data. The empire he ruled (the Achaemenid Empire) was noted to be an Iranian (Persian) empire existing from 550–330 BC, with 110 sitelinks indicating its historical significance. The Mausoleum of Maussollos, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world established in 351 BC, is listed as being owned/operated by relevant entities connected to this era.

## FAQs

**Who was Artaxerxes III?**
Artaxerxes III (also called Artaxerxes III Ochus) was the 11th emperor of the Achaemenid Empire, ruling from 358 BC to 338 BC during the late period of ancient Persian imperial history.

**What empire did Artaxerxes III rule?**
Artaxerxes III ruled the Achaemenid Empire, an Iranian (Persian) empire that existed from 550 BC to 330 BC, one of the largest and most influential empires of the ancient world.

**What is Artaxerxes III known for?**
Artaxerxes III is primarily known for being the 11th sovereign of the Achaemenid dynasty, ruling during the final centuries before the empire's eventual conquest by Alexander the Great.

**What is the connection between Artaxerxes III and the Mausoleum of Maussollos?**
The Mausoleum of Maussollos, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world built in 351 BC, is listed in the source material as being connected to entities associated with this historical period.

## Why They Matter

Artaxerxes III matters as a ruler of the Achaemenid Empire, which represented one of the ancient world's most significant imperial powers. The Achaemenid Empire, with 110 sitelinks documenting its historical presence, shaped much of the political, cultural, and administrative landscape of the ancient Near East. As the 11th emperor, Artaxerxes III occupied a position within a dynasty that governed a vast multi-ethnic empire spanning three continents. Without the Achaemenid rulers like Artaxerxes III, the subsequent political developments in the region, including the Hellenistic period that followed the empire's fall in 330 BC, would have taken a fundamentally different course.

## Notable For

- Ruling as the 11th Achaemenid Emperor
- Reign spanning 358–338 BC (20 years)
- Holding the throne of the Achaemenid Empire during its later period
- Being sovereign of an empire with significant historical documentation (110 sitelinks)
- Alternative name: Artaxerxes III Ochus

## Body

### Early Life and Accession

The source material does not provide specific details regarding Artaxerxes III's birth, family background, or early life before assuming the throne. As with many ancient rulers, his path to the imperial throne would have involved the complex political dynamics typical of the Achaemenid succession.

### Reign as Emperor

Artaxerxes III served as the 11th Achaemenid Emperor from 358 BC to 338 BC, a period totaling approximately two decades of rule over the Persian Empire. The Achaemenid Empire, which he governed, was an Iranian (Persian) imperial power that existed from 550 BC to 330 BC, encompassing vast territories across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The empire was characterized by its sophisticated administrative systems, cultural diversity, and architectural achievements.

### Connection to the Mausoleum of Maussollos

The source material indicates a connection between entities from this period and the Mausoleum of Maussollos, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This monumental tomb was constructed in 351 BC, during Artaxerxes III's reign, in Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey). The mausoleum represented the pinnacle of ancient Greek-Persian architectural collaboration and stands as a testament to the artistic achievements of this era.

### Historical Context

The Achaemenid Empire, which Artaxerxes III ruled, represents a pivotal period in ancient world history. With 110 sitelinks documenting its significance in historical records, the empire served as a model for subsequent imperial administrations and significantly influenced the development of Persian, Greek, and broader Near Eastern cultures. Artaxerxes III's reign occurred during the empire's later centuries, a period that would ultimately conclude with the conquests of Alexander the Great beginning in 334 BC, approximately four years after Artaxerxes III's death in 338 BC.

### Legacy

As a sovereign (leader of a country) within the Achaemenid dynasty, Artaxerxes III contributed to the continuity of an imperial system that had governed diverse populations across a vast territory. The empire's administrative innovations, road systems, and cultural policies left lasting legacies on subsequent civilizations. The limited but specific documentation of his reign (57 sitelinks) indicates his presence in historical records, though detailed accounts of his specific policies or achievements are not included in the provided source material.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Q45274560
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://ch.museum-digital.org/people/184906)
5. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20090226205312/http://www.livius.org/arl-arz/artaxerxes/artaxerxes_ii_mnemon.html)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013