Editing Xerxes II (section)

==Reign==
The last inscription mentioning Artaxerxes I being alive can be dated to 424 BC. He succeeded to the throne but two of his illegitimate brothers claimed the throne for themselves. The first was [[Sogdianus]], Artaxerxes I's son by his [[concubine]] Alogyne of [[Babylon]]. The second was Darius II, Artaxerxes I's son by his concubine Cosmartidene of Babylon, who was married to their common half-sister [[Parysatis]], daughter of Artaxerxes I and his concubine Andia of Babylon.<ref name=S>S. Zawadzki, "The Circumstances of Darius II's Accession", ''Jaarbericht Ex Oriente Lux'', 34 (1995-1996), pp.&nbsp;45-49</ref>

Xerxes II was only recognized as king in [[Iran|Persia]] and Sogdianus in [[Elam]]. Ochus' first inscription as [[Darius II of Persia|Darius II]] can be dated to January 10, 423 BC. He was already [[satrap]] of [[Hyrcania]] and was soon recognized by [[medes|Media]], [[Babylonia]] and [[Egypt]]. Xerxes II only ruled forty-five days. He was murdered while drunk by Sogdianus, with help from Pharnacyas and [[Menostanes]], who had great influence over him according to [[Ctesias]].<ref>{{Cite book|author=Ctesias the Cnidian|title=Persica|series=48|url=https://www.livius.org/sources/content/ctesias-overview-of-the-works/photius-excerpt-of-ctesias-persica/}}</ref> Sogdianus gained the support of his regions, but was killed a few months later. Darius II became the sole ruler of the Persian Empire and reigned until 404 BC.<ref name=S/>