Darius II was a king of the Persian Empire, ruling from 423 to 404 BCE. He was the son of Artaxerxes I and came to power after a period of political instability. His reign was marked by internal strife and challenges from various factions within the empire, including the Satraps, or provincial governors. During Darius II's rule, the Persian Empire faced significant challenges, including conflicts with the Greeks and issues related to governance. His reign ended with his death, after which his son, Artaxerxes II, ascended to the throne, continuing the legacy of the Achaemenid dynasty.