Artaxerxes was a name used by several kings of the ancient Persian Empire, most notably Artaxerxes I, who ruled from 465 to 424 BCE. He was the son of Xerxes I and is known for his efforts to maintain the vast Persian Empire and for his interactions with the Greek city-states during the Greco-Persian Wars. Artaxerxes I is also recognized for his support of the Jewish people, allowing them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. His reign is documented in the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which highlight his role in the restoration of Jewish life and worship after the Babylonian exile.