Children Artabanus III of Parthia | Grandchild Gotarzes II of Parthia | |
Parents Artavasdes I of Media Atropatene Grandparents Unnamed, Ariobarzanes I of Media Atropatene Similar Artabanus III of Parthia, Gotarzes II of Parthia, Artavasdes I of Media Atropatene | ||
Darius II of Media Atropatene, also known as Darius (flourished second half of 1st century BC & first half of 1st century AD) was a Prince from the Kingdom of Media Atropatene whom through marriage was a relation of the Arsacid Kings of Parthia.
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Background
Darius II was a man of Median, Armenian and Greek descent. He was the second son and among the children born to Artavasdes I of Media Atropatene and his wife, Athenais. He was born and raised in Media Atropatene. He could be the potential namesake of Darius I, a previous ruling King of Media Atropatene and the probable uncle of Artavasdes I. Darius II is also the namesake of the Persian and Pontian monarchs named Darius, as he is a direct descendant of the extended family of the Persian King Darius I.
Marriage
Darius II from c. 15 BC to 10 BC married an unnamed Arsacid Parthian Princess, who was a relation to the King Vonones I of Parthia. Darius II is the third Seleucid descendant and the only known male descendant of Seleucus I Nicator to have married into the Arsacid dynasty of Parthia.
Little is known on Darius II’s marriage to the unnamed Parthian Princess. Darius II and his wife had two sons: the Parthian Kings Artabanus III and Vonones II. Darius II and his wife, through their sons would have further descendants.