History of Artaxerxes II of Persia

Artaxerxes II, also known as Artaxerxes Memnon, was a significant figure in the ancient Achaemenid Empire, serving as the King of Persia from 404 BC until his death in 358 BC. His reign is noted for its length—the longest of any Achaemenid monarch—but it is also marked by various political challenges and events that shaped the course of Persian and Greek history. Understanding Artaxerxes II's legacy as a politician involves delving into his efforts to maintain the vast Persian Empire amid internal and external pressures, his handling of revolts and diplomacy, and his attempts to manage the intricate relationships with the Greek city-states.

Artaxerxes II ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Darius II, amid a period of considerable instability. His rule began with a significant internal conflict: the eminent revolt led by his younger brother, Cyrus the Younger. This fraternal struggle culminated in the famous Battle of Cunaxa in 401 BC. Although Cyrus the Younger had the support of a group of Greek mercenaries known as the Ten Thousand, Artaxerxes managed to retain his throne through strategic maneuvering and the loyalist forces at his disposal. The retreat of the Greek mercenaries, documented by Xenophon in his "Anabasis," contributed to Artaxerxes' reputation as a cunning politician who could outlast even formidable challengers.

Following the resolution of this internal threat, Artaxerxes II turned his attention to consolidating his power and addressing other internal challenges. His reign saw a series of revolts in various parts of the empire, including in Egypt, where regional leaders sought to assert their independence. Despite initial setbacks, Artaxerxes strategically deployed resources and military campaigns to subdue dissidents, often leveraging diplomatic maneuvers alongside military might. His ability to quell these uprisings was not merely through force, but also through political alliances and concessions that demonstrated his adeptness as a ruler.

In terms of foreign policy, Artaxerxes II's dealings with the Greek world are particularly notable. During his reign, the King’s Peace (also known as the Peace of Antalcidas) was established in 387 BC. This treaty, which is considered a landmark event in Greek and Persian relations, was orchestrated by the Persian king through his diplomat, Antalcidas. The peace agreement effectively made Persia the involuntary arbiter of Greek interstate affairs, ensuring that the Greek city-states would cease hostilities against each other and acknowledge Persian influence over Asia Minor. While the Greeks regarded this as a humiliating concession, it underscores Artaxerxes' diplomatic acumen and pragmatic approach to maintaining Persian hegemony over the region without direct military intervention.

Artaxerxes II's relationship with the Greek states was characterized by a balance of power strategy. He used his resources to support different city-states, alternating between Sparta, Athens, and Thebes, depending on which alliance best served Persia’s interests at the time. Such strategies were aimed at preventing any single Greek power from becoming too dominant, ensuring that they remained divided and thus less of a threat to Persian interests.

Moreover, Artaxerxes II faced challenges to his authority from within his own court, owing to a large extent to the complex dynamics of the Persian aristocracy. The later years of his reign were plagued by conspiracies and tensions within the royal family, including a notable affair involving his wife, Stateira, and his subsequent conflict with his son, Darius. This family strife, coupled with factionalism among his courtiers, highlighted the intricacies of maintaining centralized power in such a vast and culturally diverse empire. Artaxerxes handled these challenges through a combination of ruthless suppression and strategic familial alliances, demonstrating his capacity for political navigation in an environment rife with intrigue.

Despite these internal and external challenges, Artaxerxes II left a significant yet mixed legacy. He managed to keep the Achaemenid Empire largely intact during a turbulent period, showcasing his ability to adroitly manage the multiplicity of cultures and peoples under Persian rule. However, his reign also underscored the growing difficulties the empire faced, with regions like Egypt slipping from control toward the end of his rule and internal dissent fermenting just below the surface.

Artaxerxes II's political career reflects both the strengths and limitations of Achaemenid administrative practices and highlights the delicate balance required to govern one of history's most extensive empires. By the time of his death in 358 BC, he had maintained the cohesion of his empire, albeit through methods that often relied on deft diplomatic negotiation as much as military power. His reign, marked by both perseverance and susceptibility to the underlying currents of discontent, paved the way for the challenges his successors would encounter, guiding historians to view his tenure as a critical juncture in the saga of Persian imperial history.