PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp.
Xerxes I to Darios II. Circa 485-420 BC. AV Daric (13.5mm, 8.33 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing
kidaris and
kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, holding spear in right hand and bow in left / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B (pl. XIII, 27); Meadows,
Administration 321; BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 26; Sunrise 24. A few minor marks on obverse. Near EF.
During the Wars of the Delian League (477-449 BC), the Persians were beset by several internal problems. Among these were revolts that broke out in various parts of their empire. Of particular importance was a revolt in Egypt led by the rebel Inaros (circa 460 BC). With Athenian aid, Inaros defeated and slew the Persian satrap Achaimenes at the Battle of Papremis (459 BC). Eventually, the Athenians were defeated and Inaros was captured and sent to Susa for execution.
Following the death of Artaxerxes I in 424 BC, the throne was shared by two brothers – Xerxes II and Sogdianus – who together ruled for less than a year. Their illegitimate brother, Ochos, succeeded them as Darios II.
