Origins & Early Life

Ochus (Ancient Greek: Ὦχος Ochos), known by his dynastic name Artaxerxes III (Old Persian: 𐎠𐎼𐎫𐎧𐏁𐏂𐎠 Artaxšaçāʰ; Ancient Greek: Ἀρταξέρξης), was King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire from 359/58 to 338 BC. He was the son and successor of Artaxerxes II and his mother was Stateira. Before ascending the throne Artaxerxes was a satrap and commander of his father's army. Artaxerxes came to power after one of his brothers was executed, another committed suicide, the last murdered and his father, Artaxerxes II died.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Soon after becoming king, Artaxerxes murdered all of the royal family to secure his place as king. He started two major campaigns against Egypt. The first campaign failed, and was followed up by rebellions throughout the western part of his empire. During the second invasion, Artaxerxes finally defeated Nectanebo II, the Pharaoh of Egypt, bringing the country back into the Persian fold after six decades. In Artaxerxes's later years, Philip II of Macedon's power was increasing in Greece, where he tried to convince the Greeks to revolt against the Achaemenid Empire.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His activities were opposed by Artaxerxes, and with his support, the city of Perinthus resisted a Macedonian siege....

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Herodotus — Contemporary (Died in -425) (-425): Father of History: Greek chronicler of the Greco-Persian Wars and ethnography.
• Zeno of Elea — Contemporary (Died in -425) (-425): Pre-Socratic philosopher known for paradoxes challenging space, time, and motion.
• Shang Yang — Contemporary (Died in -338) (-338): Influential reformer of the State of Qin during the Warring States period.
• Artaxerxes I — Contemporary figure (Died in -424) (-424): Fifth King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire, ruling from 465 to 424 BC.
• Anaxagoras — Contemporary figure (Died in -428) (-428): Pre-Socratic philosopher known for the concept of Nous (Cosmic Mind)
• Phormio — Contemporary figure (Died in -428) (-428): Prominent Athenian general and admiral during the Peloponnesian War era.
• Cleon — Contemporary figure (Died in -422) (-422): Prominent Athenian statesman and general during the volatile Peloponnesian War.
• Pericles — Contemporary figure (Died in -429) (-429): Leading statesman of Athens during its Golden Age, champion of democracy and culture.
• Archytas — Contemporary figure (Born in -430) (-430): Pioneering Greek philosopher, mathematician, and statesman from Taras (Tarentum).
• Dionysius I of Syracuse — Contemporary figure (Born in -430) (-430): Tyrant of Syracuse who dominated Western Greek Sicily and challenged Carthage's power.
• -425 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -425
• -338 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -338