In 478 BC, before the revolt at Bactria, Darius was married to his cousin Artaynte at Sardis.
On seeing this, Masistes fled to Bactria to start a revolt, but was intercepted by Xerxes' army who killed him and his sons.
In 465 BC, Darius may have ascended to the throne as King of Persia after his father was murdered[1] in a conspiracy carried out by Artabanus and Aspamitres the eunuch,[2] who were confidential advisers of Xerxes.
Artabanus may have had personal ambitions for the throne since, subsequently, he conspired with Megabyzus to have Artaxerxes killed.
Artabanus was killed by sword, whilst Aspamitres was left in a tub where he was eaten by insects.