Xerxes II: King of Persia 

Xerxes II ascended to the throne as King of Persia and Pharaoh of Egypt, but his reign was notably brief, lasting only 45 days. His rule was marked by instability and power struggles within the royal family. Following his ascension, he was assassinated by his half-brother Sogdianus, who had garnered support from various regions. This act of fratricide was part of a larger pattern of violence and betrayal that characterized the Achaemenid dynasty. Sogdianus's reign was also short-lived, lasting just over six months before he was captured and killed by another half-brother. The rapid succession of rulers during this period highlights the challenges of maintaining power in a vast empire like Persia, where loyalty was often fleeting and rivalries could lead to deadly consequences. The assassination of Xerxes II not only ended his brief rule but also set the stage for further conflict within the royal family, ultimately impacting the stability of the Persian Empire.