son of Phraortes, was king of Media and Persia. He bravely defended his kingdom, which the Scythians had invaded. He made war against Alyattes king of Lydia; and subjected to his power all Asia beyond the river Halys. He died after a reign of 40 years, in the year of Rome 160.

Cyaxares II. is supposed by some to be the same as Darius the Mede. He was son of Astyages king of Media. He added seven provinces to his father's dominions, Cybele dominions, and made war against the Assyrians, whom Cyrus favoured.