Fall of Athens and Darius' Death

The fall of Athens and the death of Darius II are pivotal events that reshaped the political landscape of the ancient world. Darius II, the king of the Persian Empire, faced numerous challenges during his reign, including internal strife and external threats. His son, Cyrus the Younger, was appointed to replace Tissaphernes and was tasked with providing support to Sparta in its conflict against Athens. This alliance proved crucial, as Sparta ultimately defeated Athens, marking the end of the Peloponnesian War. The defeat of Athens not only diminished its power but also shifted the balance of power in the region, allowing Sparta to emerge as a dominant force in Greece. In the same year, Darius II fell ill and died in Babylon. His death had immediate repercussions, particularly in Egypt, where a rebel named Amyrtaeus seized the opportunity to liberate the region from Persian control. Darius's passing also highlighted the tensions within his family, as his Babylonian wife, Parysatis, advocated for Cyrus the Younger to be crowned king. However, Darius refused her request, choosing instead to support his eldest son, Artaxerxes II. This decision would later lead to further conflict within the royal family, as Cyrus would eventually challenge Artaxerxes for the throne, setting the stage for future power struggles within the Persian Empire.