Yes, Cyrus the Younger, a notable figure in ancient Persian history, was indeed the son of Darius II, an Achaemenian king. This specific familial relationship is well-documented in historical records.
Cyrus the Younger and His Royal Lineage
Cyrus the Younger, born sometime after 423 BC and tragically dying in 401 BC at Cunaxa, Babylonia (modern-day Iraq), held a significant position within the Achaemenian royal family. He was the younger son of King Darius II and his wife, Queen Parysatis.
Parysatis, Cyrus's mother, harbored strong ambitions for her younger son, preferring him over her eldest son, Arsaces. She actively campaigned to secure the succession of the Persian throne for Cyrus, rather than Arsaces, who was the natural heir. This maternal favoritism played a crucial role in Cyrus the Younger's life and his eventual conflicts.
Key Relationships in the Royal Family
To clarify the direct familial ties, consider the following breakdown:
| Relationship | Figure | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Darius II | Achaemenian King |
| Mother | Parysatis | Queen and staunch supporter of Cyrus |
| Son | Cyrus the Younger | Younger son, aspirant to the throne |
| Brother | Arsaces | Eldest son, the legitimate heir |
This relationship between Cyrus the Younger and Darius II is a crucial aspect of understanding the political landscape of the Achaemenian Empire in the late 5th century BC. For more details on his life and historical context, you can explore the biography of Cyrus the Younger.
