Darius II & the Peloponnesian War: Playing Sparta and Athens

This is the sixth episode of our Achaemenid Empire series. Watch other episodes on Historia Grapheus channel:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB_ya_xKMmzaDpvHjnjJgglRRwVNmtAxu&si=AMpLycXp1N5Skdhk

The rule of Darius II (also called Ochus) lasted nearly 20 years, from 424 to 404 BCE. He became king during shaky times after Artaxerxes I died. This video looks at his reign, which sources say was full of internal problems. His time as king seems known for powerful people plotting at court, especially the strong Queen Parysatis, and big revolts by governors (satraps) like Arsites and Pissuthnes. Find out how Darius II handled these early problems while depending a lot on key allies to hold onto power.

See how Persia cleverly got involved again in the big war between Athens and Sparta (the Peloponnesian War). After Athens lost badly in Sicily, Persia saw a chance. Darius II had his governors Tissaphernes and Pharnabazus, and later his own son Cyrus the Younger, give money to help Sparta's war effort. We look at the deals they made (like the Treaty of Miletus), how Persian money was key to helping Sparta win sea battles like Aegospotami, and the final result: Athens lost the war, and Persia took back control of the Greek cities in Ionia (western Turkey).

Learn about other big issues during Darius II's reign, like the major loss when Egypt successfully revolted under Amyrtaeus. Persia couldn't stop it because its money and soldiers were tied up elsewhere. This video also covers how powerful governors started acting more like independent rulers, and the constant plotting that shaped the empire. Find out about the rise of the king's ambitious son, Cyrus the Younger, who was given a huge command in Anatolia, preparing the way for a future fight for the throne.

This video covers Darius II's difficult start, stopping internal revolts, the powerful Queen Parysatis, Persia's smart moves in the Peloponnesian War, the important loss of Egypt, and the rise of Cyrus the Younger. Stay tuned for the next episode about the huge civil war between King Artaxerxes II and his brother Cyrus the Younger, made famous in Xenophon's book, the Anabasis.

⌛ *TIMELINE*
🪶 *Becoming King*
* *_c. 424/423 BCE:_* Darius II (Ochus) becomes king after Xerxes II and Sogdianus rule briefly.

🪶 *Peloponnesian War & Losing Egypt*
* *_c. 413 BCE:_* After Athens' loss in Sicily, Darius II tells governors Tissaphernes and Pharnabazus to demand taxes from Ionian cities and work with Sparta.
* *_412/411 BCE:_* Talks lead to deals (Treaty of Miletus); Persia gives money to Sparta if Sparta recognizes Persian rule in Asia Minor.
* *_c. 411/410 BCE:_* Revolt starts in Egypt under Amyrtaeus; Persia is too busy or weak to stop it.
* *_c. 407 BCE:_* Cyrus the Younger is made supreme commander in western Anatolia; strongly backs Sparta's navy leader, Lysander, with money.
* *_405 BCE:_* Key Battle of Aegospotami, largely paid for by Persia, destroys Athens' fleet.
* *_404 BCE:_* Athens gives up, ending the Peloponnesian War. Egypt becomes independent under Amyrtaeus (28th Dynasty).

🪶 *End of Reign & Setting up Conflict*
* *_404 BCE:_* Darius II dies in Babylon. His older son becomes King Artaxerxes II.
* *_404 BCE (Soon after):_* Cyrus the Younger is accused of plotting against Artaxerxes II, arrested, but freed and sent back to his command thanks to his mother Parysatis. This leads towards civil war.

🕒 *Timecodes*
00:00 - 03:10 Darius II and Queen Parysatis
03:10 - 05:49 Satrapal Revolts
05:49 - 08:15 The Secession of Egypt
08:15 - 16:34 Persia and the Peloponessian War
16:34 - 19:47 Satrapal Autonomy and Palace Intrigues
19:47 - 22:19 The Rise of Cyrus the Younger
22:19 - 25:02 Darius II's Death and the Succession Crisis

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Видео Darius II & the Peloponnesian War: Playing Sparta and Athens канала Historia Grapheus