Artaxerxes I
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- Died:
- 425 bc, Susa, Elam [now in Iran]
- Title / Office:
- king (465BC-425BC), Persia
- House / Dynasty:
- Achaemenian dynasty
- Notable Family Members:
- father Xerxes I
- son Darius II Ochus
Artaxerxes I (died 425 bc, Susa, Elam [now in Iran]) was an Achaemenid king of Persia who reigned from 465–425 bc.
He was surnamed in Greek Macrocheir (“Longhand”) and in Latin Longimanus. A younger son of Xerxes I and Amestris, he was raised to the throne by the commander of the guard, Artabanus, who had murdered Xerxes. A few months later, Artaxerxes slew Artabanus in a hand-to-hand fight. His reign, though generally peaceful, was disturbed by several insurrections, the first of which was the revolt of his brother the satrap of Bactria. More dangerous was the rebellion of Egypt under Inaros, who received assistance from the Athenians. Achaemenid rule in Egypt was restored by Megabyzus, satrap of Syria, after a prolonged struggle (460–454). In 448 fighting between the Achaemenids and the Athenians ended, and in the Samian and Peloponnesian wars Artaxerxes remained neutral; toward the Jews he pursued a tolerant policy. His building inscriptions at Persepolis record the completion of the throne hall of his father. The tomb of Artaxerxes is at Naqsh-e Rustam.
