Sogdianus of Persia

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Sogdianus (/ˌsɔːɡdiˈeɪnəs/ or /ˌsɒɡdiˈeɪnəs/), king of Persia (424 – 423 BC). He was an obscure historical figure known primarily from the writings of Ctesias. He was reportedly an illegitimate son of Artaxerxes I by his concubine Alogyne of Babylon.

The last inscription mentioning Artaxerxes I being alive can be dated to December 24, 424 BC. His death resulted in at least three of his sons proclaiming themselves Kings. The first was Xerxes II, who was reportedly his only legitimate son by Queen Damaspia and was formerly Crown Prince. He was apparently only recognized in Persia. The second was Sogdianus himself, possibly recognized in Elam. The third was Ochus, son of Artaxerxes I by his concubine Cosmartidene of Babylon and satrap of Hyrcania. Ochus was also married to their common half-sister Parysatis, daughter of Artaxerxes I and his concubine Andia of Babylon. The first inscription of Ochus as Darius II can be dated to January 10, 423 BC. He seems to have been recognized by Medes, Babylonia and Egypt.

This chaotic state of affairs would prove short-lived. Xerxes II only ruled for forty-five days. He was reportedly murdered while drunk by Pharnacyas and Menostanes on Sogdianus' orders. Sogdianus apparently gained the support of his regions. He was himself killed by Arbarios, commander of the cavalry. He had only reigned for six months and fifteen days. Darius II became the sole ruler of the Persian Empire and would reign till 404 BC.

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A more detailed profile of Sogdianus

Sogdianus of Persia Achaemenid dynasty Born: ?? Died: 423 BC
Preceded by Xerxes II	Great King (Shah) of Persia 424 BC – 423 BC	Succeeded by Darius II
	Pharaoh of Egypt 424 BC – 423 BC

v t e Median and Achaemenid kings

Family tree

Median Empire (728 – 550 BC)	Deioces Phraortes Madius Cyaxares the Great Astyages

Achaemenid Empire (550 – 330 BC)	Achaemenes† Ariaramnes† Arsames† Teispes Cyrus I Cambyses I Cyrus II, the Great Cambyses II Smerdis Gaumata Darius I, the Great Xerxes I, the Great Artaxerxes I Xerxes II Sogdianus Darius II Nothus Artaxerxes II Mnemon Artaxerxes III Ochus Artaxerxes IV Arses Darius III Codomannus Artaxerxes V Bessus

† Not directly attested, possibly legendary.

Persondata
Name	Sogdianus
Alternative names
Short description	Shah of Persia
Date of birth
Place of birth
Date of death
Place of death

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