Artaxerxes III

Artaxerxes III was the ruler of the Achaemenid Persian Empire who reconquered Egypt in 343 BC, initiating what historians designate as the Thirty-First Dynasty. He reigned over Egypt from his imperial capital at Persepolis until his death in 338 BC, with dates uncertain by about a year.

His victory over Nectanebo II brought an end to over sixty years of independent native Egyptian rule. Persian administrative control was re-established across the country, though classical historians recorded his rule as harsh and unpopular among the local priesthood. Artaxerxes III did not construct traditional Egyptian temples or sponsor major native monuments during his five-year rule.

Scholars know of his reign in Egypt primarily from classical Greek accounts, Persian royal records, and rare administrative documents. He died in Persia and was buried in a rock-cut tomb at Persepolis, leaving the throne to his son Arses.

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